FIFA Arab Cup: Egypt held to disappointing draw by Kuwait

Despite a dominant performance on Tuesday, Egypt were forced to settle for a point at the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup after being held to a 1-1 draw by Kuwait.

A late penalty kick from substitute Mohamed Magdy “Afsha” salvaged the draw for the Pharaohs in their Group C opener, who conceded against the run of play earlier in the second half before scrambling to avoid an embarrassing defeat at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.

Kuwait was on the defensive for nearly the entire match and were limited to counter-attacks. The North African favorites had numerous opportunities and appeared set to take the lead close to halftime when a penalty kick was awarded in their favor. However, veteran midfielder Amr El Solia got his spot kick all wrong and sent the ball wide.

It was more of the same after halftime but the Pharaohs were shocked in the 64th minute. Kuwait took advantage of poor marking to punish the North Africans when defender Fahad Al Hajeri got on the end of Mohammad Daham’s corner kick to head past Pharaohs goalkeeper Mohamed Bassam.

The Gulf nation attempted to form a bunker and hold onto their lead but the African representatives finaly took advantage of their dominance late on. Kuwait goalkeeper Saud Al Hoshan tripped up substitute Marwan Hamdi in the penalty area and it was an easy decision for the referee, who awarded a penalty kick that was converted by Afsha to level in the 88th minute after Al Hoshan was expelled for receiving a second yellow card.

Egypt wanted to push for a victory but could not make another breakthrough. They will next face United Arab Emirates on Saturday for their second match in Group C.