Egypt were out to break new ground when they faced Belgium on Wednesday and win a World Cup match.
The seven-time AFCON champions had only ever previously led a game at the tournament for 29 minutes prior to 2026. Yet, with Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush featuring on the frontline, the Pharaohs fancied their chances of at least scoring.
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However, it was Emam Ashour who fired Egypt in front. The 28-year-old was picked out by Salah, who proceeded to rifle past Thibaut Courtois after being granted ample space by Thomas Meunier. The Real Madrid shotstopper was on hand to turn a Zico effort behind for a corner after Salah, again, turned provider.
Jeremy Doku lashed Belgium’s best first-half effort over after being set up by Charles De Ketelaere, but the Red Devils endured a subdued opening 45 in Seattle.
Egypt came close to doubling their advantage shortly after the restart. After a mad scramble in the box where Zico and Marmoush’s efforts were blocked, Belgium managed to clear the decks. At the other end, Kevin De Bruyne rifled a free-kick off the outside of the post as Rudi Garcia’s men push for an equaliser.
Youri Tielemans fired in a flying volley from the edge of the box that whizzed past Mostafa Shobeir post. De Bruyne then hit a tame effort straight at the Egypt goalkeeper as the European side looked to turn the screw.
Belgium’s top scorer Romelu Lukaku was introduced midway through the second half and it took a matter of seconds for the Napoli man to make an impact. Mohamed Hany inadvertently turned Thomas Meunier’s cross into his own net after pressure from the 33-year-old hitman.
Belgium failed to build upon Hany’s own goal, however, as the pair played out a tournament-opening 1-1 draw.
Mohamed Salah’s free role has desired effect
Rather than start from the flank or up front, Mohamed Salah occupied the number 10 role against Belgium. The former Liverpool man was essentially handed a free role to drift across the final third to tear Belgium apart.
And it was one that he maximised to good effect. Not only did Salah provide the assist for Emam Ashour’s opener, that coming from one of three chances – no player made more – but he did so coming off the right flank.
Granted, Salah had the second fewest touches of any starting Egypt player (34), but that was to be expected given the African powerhouse were set to play a more reactive game against Belgium. It’s perhaps a sign of things to come.
Jeremy Doku kept in check
Much of the pre-match focus on the BBC was surrounding Jeremy Doku. The Belgian wing-wizard was instrumental in Belgium’s World Cup qualification, scoring five and assisting two. He completed more take-ons (84) than any other player in the Premier League last season.
The 24-year-old was tipped to be Belgium’s main man in North America this summer. However, Doku flattered to deceive in Seattle on Monday. For the most part, he was kept in check by Mohamed Hany.
Indeed, Doku completed just one of seven attempted take-ons in a subdued display. He was dispossessed four times and created just one chance during his 86 minutes on the pitch. Belgium will need a much-improved showing from the Manchester City star next time out.
Romelu Lukaku’s positive impact
Rudi Garcia confirmed last week that Romelu Lukaku wouldn’t start against Egypt. The 33-year-old had struggled for game time in an injury hit 2025-26 Serie A season.
Even so, Lukaku struck in the pre-tournament friendly win over Croatia and garnered crucial minutes against Tunisia. And having witnessed a sub-par Charles De Ketelaere showing on the frontline, Lukaku may just come into the side for the Iran game this weekend.
After all, it was his presence in the Egypt box that forced the equaliser. He gave Belgium an outlet in the final third. He managed just one fewer touch in the opposition box (3) than De Ketelaere (4). While he was unable to fire his nation to three points, it was a positive cameo from Lukaku.
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