Uzbekistan stuns Egypt in UAE: Oronov bags a brace as Pharaohs stumble in a heated friendly
14 November 2025
Egypt suffered a bitter 0-2 defeat to Uzbekistan on Friday night in the Al Ain International Cup in the United Arab Emirates, a blunt reminder as the Pharaohs tune up for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Austin Oronov starred for Uzbekistan, scoring both goals and leaving Egypt frustrated under the guidance of coach Hossam Hassan. It was their second defeat since the Croatia setback in March 2024 during a friendly in Cairo.
Egypt will meet Cape Verde on Monday for third place, while Uzbekistan, coached by Fabio Cannavaro, will face Iran in the final.
Iran defeated Cape Verde by penalties (5-4) after a goalless semi-final on Thursday evening.
Egypt produced a muted display amid a reshuffled lineup and a squad leaning on several inexperienced players, paying the price for lapses at the back and an inability to make their chances count.
First half: early goal and defensive woes
Egypt set up in a 4-4-2, with Mohamed Sobhi in goal and a defensive line of Rami Rabia, Mohamed Shahat, Mohamed Hani, and Mohamed Hamdi, while Marwan Attia partnered by Ahmed Mustafa 'Zizo' in midfield, with Mohamed Salah and Marwan Osman in advanced roles alongside Mustafa Mohamed and Osama Faisal.
Uzbekistan struck early after a miscontrol in midfield by Marwan Attia, allowing Oston Oronov to slice through the defense and rifling a precise finish past Sobhi inside the opening three minutes.
The visitors kept pressing, and Oronov teased the Egyptian back line again on the left before shooting against the post, denying a second for his side as the alarm bells rang for the hosts.
Shomurdov, captaining Uzbekistan, teased past Rabia and forced a sprawling save from Sobhi as the aggression of the Uzbek attack remained a constant threat in the first half.
Oronov doubled his tally in first-half stoppage time, curling a goal across the goalkeeper into the bottom corner to send Uzbekistan 2-0 up at the break.
Second half: Egyptian attempts fall short
Egypt started the second half with renewed effort to find a lifeline, but chances remained scant as Uzbekistan defended resolutely and kept the tempo high with quick transitions.
The Egyptians made changes, with Zizo pulling out injured in the 59th minute and Taher Mohammed Taher entering the action, while Salah still tried to unlock a stubborn Uzbek defense with moments of dribbling flair.
Mohamed Shahat and Mustafa Mohamed combined for a late header that was cleared off the line, while Oronov’s goal remained the defining moment of the match as Uzbekistan held firm.
As the match wore on, Egypt’s frustration grew, with a late call for a penalty waved away by the official and the Uzbek defense staying compact to seal the win.
Ultimately, Uzbekistan’s brace from Oronov proved decisive as they completed the day with a deserved victory, while Egypt left with more questions than answers ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
And yes, if football had a sniper’s scope, Uzbekistan aimed true while Egypt kept the defense on its toes—which is to say, the post still has better aim than some Egyptian on-field decisions.
Punchline 1: If goals were sniper shots, Oronov just delivered a perfect headshot—two clean hits, no collateral damage. Punchline 2: Cannavaro’s defense? It’s so tight even the scoreboard needed a passport to cross the line.
