Hossam Ahmed
September 9, 2025Egypt held to draw in Burkina Faso to postpone World Cup qualification
Egypt held to draw in Burkina Faso to postpone World Cup qualification
The Egyptian national team was forced to settle for a goalless draw against Burkina Faso in their eighth-round clash of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, played at the Stade du 4 Août in Ouagadougou.
The match began with an early setback for Egypt as Omar Marmoush went down injured in the eighth minute after a heavy challenge. Although he initially tried to continue, the forward collapsed again moments later, prompting a forced substitution that saw Osama Faisal come on.
Burkina Faso grew into the game and nearly broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when a close-range header narrowly cleared Mohamed El Shenawy’s crossbar. Egypt responded with efforts of their own, with Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” testing the goalkeeper from distance in the 27th minute.
Defender Rami Rabia also caused concern after taking a knock just after the half-hour mark, but the Al Ain centre-back managed to carry on. Despite both sides creating half-chances, the first half ended scoreless.
The second half started cautiously before Mohamed Salah produced a brilliant solo run in the 55th minute, slipping a pass towards Trezeguet, only for the Burkina Faso defence to intervene at the last moment. Egypt thought they had found the opener in the 67th minute when Osama Faisal converted Salah’s assist, but the referee ruled it out for offside, with no VAR available to review the decision.
Late in the game, Hossam Hassan introduced fresh legs, bringing on Mostafa Mohamed, Ahmed Sayed “Zizo,” and Mohanad Lasheen for Faisal, Trezeguet, and Ahmed Nabil Kouka. The changes almost paid off as Mostafa Mohamed came close on more than one occasion, but goals were not on Egypt’s side.
Burkina Faso also pushed for a late winner, but the final whistle confirmed a stalemate, leaving both teams missing the chance to secure three points.
