The Pharaoh’s squad fall to Saudi

Saudi Arabia pulled off a last-gasp 2-1 win over Egypt as the two sides departed from Russia yesterday, with the Saudis notching their first World Cup victory since 1994 and adding to the misery of Egypt’s prolific striker Mohamed Salah.

The Liverpool forward put Egypt ahead but wasted a golden opportunity to double the lead, giving Saudi Arabia the chance to claw their way back into the game that was settled by a 95th-minute winner by midfielder Salem Al-Dawsari.

The result meant Saudi Arabia finished third in Group A as they scored their only goals of the tournament and vastly improved on a 5-0 thrashing by hosts Russia in their opening game.

Egypt finished in last place with no points, a result likely to heap pressure on Argentine coach Hector Cuper.