Egypt 5-0 South Sudan: Omar Marmoush scores twice as Hossam Hassan’s side ease pressure

Egypt secured a convincing 5-0 victory over South Sudan in Juba on Tuesday to claim their first three points of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and ease pressure on manager Hossam Hassan.

Mostafa Ziko opened the scoring in the 36th minute before Omar Marmoush struck twice after the break. Ibrahim Adel added a third, while Hamza Abdelkarim scored his first international goal in stoppage time to complete the win.

The result leaves Egypt top of Group B with four points, while South Sudan remain bottom without a point. Angola, who are third with one point, host second-placed Malawi, who have three points, in the group’s second round of matches next Tuesday.

The victory came after local media reports suggested Hassan could be dismissed following controversy over comments about goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and strong criticism of the standard of clubs in the Egyptian Premier League.

Captain Mohamed Salah was absent after leaving the national team camp, reportedly to avoid playing on an artificial surface. Rami Rabia wore the captain’s armband in his place. Reports also linked Salah’s departure to tensions within the Egypt camp concerning Hassan’s comments.

Egypt struggled to impose themselves during the first half and appeared uncomfortable on the artificial pitch. They nonetheless took the lead nine minutes before the interval, when Ahmed Fotouh advanced down the left and sent a precise low cross into the area. Ziko met it with his left foot and guided the ball into the near corner.

Egypt began the second half with greater authority and doubled their advantage four minutes after the restart. Mehnd Laheen played Marmoush through on goal and the forward finished the chance to end his long wait for an international goal, having last scored for Egypt against Saudi Arabia in March.

There was concern for Hassan soon afterwards when Fotouh requested to be substituted in the 52nd minute after suffering a thigh injury in a challenge. Karim Hafez replaced him.

Egypt continued to improve and extended their lead in the 75th minute. Substitute Ibrahim Adel produced a powerful finish after receiving a well-weighted through ball from Marwan Attia.

South Sudan then faded, allowing Egypt to add a fourth. Marmoush ran clear once more after being released by Emam Ashour and finished for his second goal of the match.

Hamza Abdelkarim came on for Marmoush during the final five minutes. The young forward, who plays for Barcelona, marked his appearance by scoring his first goal for Egypt in added time. He reacted quickest after Osama Faisal’s effort was parried by the goalkeeper and followed up from close range.