Egypt 1-0 Russia: Salah-less Egypt secure narrow win over Russia

Salah-less Egypt secure narrow win over Russia

Egypt began their World Cup preparations with a 1-0 home victory over Russia in Thursday’s international friendly at the Cairo International Stadium.

The Pharaohs, one of Africa’s representatives at the tournament, secured a narrow win without their inspirational captain Mohamed Salah.

Mostafa Ziko’s 65th-minute header proved decisive, sealing the result for the North Africans in a tightly contested encounter.

Omar Marmoush featured in the starting line-up, while Ligue 1 defender Mohamed Abdelmonem returned after a long-term injury.

Head coach Hossam Hassan made 10 changes throughout the game as he rotated the squad ahead of upcoming fixtures.

Salah had only recently joined up with his teammates following an emotional end to his Liverpool career and was always expected to miss the match.

Egypt now face a friendly against Brazil in Cleveland on June 6 before beginning their World Cup Group G campaign against Belgium.