Egypt U-20 stumble again, inching toward a World Cup exit in Chile

Match Day Setback for Egypt U-20

Egypt's Under-20s were edged 2-1 by New Zealand in a Group A clash at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 in Chile, marking their second defeat of the tournament so far.

Early lead, quick reply

The Pharaohs grabbed the opener when Ahmed Khaled, nicknamed "Kabka", punished a moment of good pressure in the fifth minute. However, New Zealand hit back with two quick strikes in the 13th and 16th minutes to take control of the game and pressure Egypt’s defence.

What this means for Egypt

Despite a promising start and moments of bright play, Egypt couldn’t sustain the attacking tempo and were undone by defensive lapses and a lack of finishing in key moments. With zero points after two matches, they sit bottom of Group A, while New Zealand sit third with three points. The group also includes Japan and host Chile, setting up a tense final game for the Egyptians against Chile, where a win could keep their hopes alive depending on other results.

In the second half, Egypt pushed to equalize but failed to convert, and the clock kept ticking against them as NZ defended deftly and looked to protect their lead.

Frustration and lessons

The second-half pressure brought chances, but the decisive finish remained elusive, and substitutions came later than some would have hoped, a moment the coaching staff might reflect on before the next fixture.

Two punchlines to end on a lighter note: Sniper-style humor incoming:

“If goals were bullets, Egypt’s attackers would still be loading—their aim is there, the magazine just isn’t.”

“They say good things come to those who wait; in football, that might be true for the crowd—just not for the scoreboard.”