Egypt’s national football team suffered a 2–0 defeat to Uzbekistan in a friendly clash held at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium as part of the Al Ain International Friendly Cup, a key stop in the Pharaohs’ preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
The tournament, hosted in the city of Al Ain from 13 to 18 November, features four teams: Egypt, Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, and Iran. Each team plays two semifinal-stage matches, with winners advancing to the final and losers competing for third place.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan was forced into a late change minutes before kickoff as Hamdy Fathy withdrew due to discomfort during warm-up, making way for Mohamed Shehata. The match began with a lineup featuring Mohamed Sobhi in goal; a defensive line of Mohamed Hany, Mohamed Hamdy, Rami Rabia, and Fathy/Shehata; a midfield of Marwan Attia, Ahmed “Zizo” Sayed, Mohamed Salah, and Marwan Osman; and a striking duo of Mostafa Mohamed and Osama Faisal.
Uzbekistan struck early through Oston O’runov, who fired a powerful shot past Sobhi in the 4th minute, giving his side the lead. Egypt struggled to respond as Uzbekistan applied pressure and exploited defensive gaps.
O’runov returned just before halftime to double the advantage in the 43rd minute, capitalizing on a through ball that slipped beyond Egypt’s defensive line. Though Mohamed Hany attempted an interception, the ball evaded him, allowing O’runov to break free, round goalkeeper Sobhi, and slot the ball into an empty net.
With the defeat, Egypt will face Cape Verde on Monday in the third-place playoff. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will take on Iran on Tuesday to compete for the tournament title.
The loss raises important questions for Egypt’s technical staff as the team continues its final phase of preparations ahead of the continental championship.
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