- Safiu Kehinde
Defending champions, Argentina, has recorded a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Egypt to secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The South American nation faced another African country in the tournament’s Round of 16 on Tuesday with the hope of advancing to the next round after surviving Cape Verde’s scare in the Round of 32.
The Lionel Messi-led side would however witness repeat in history as they trailed twice before pulling the dramatic comenback.
Yasser Ibrahim put the Argentine fans at the edge of the seats as his 14th minute goal gave Egypt and early lead.
Argentine fortunately found a redemption in the 18th minute after their player was fouled in the penalty box.
The World Champions however failed to make the best out of it as the team’s captain, Lionel Messi saw his effort saved by Egypt’s goalkeeper, Moustapha Shoubi.
Shoubi again denied Argentina a goalscoring opportunity in the 27th minute as he cleared of a header.
Julian Alvarez would also be denied a crucial chance in the 38th minute as Egypt held on to the narrow lead till the end of the first 45 minutes.
Barely 15 minutes into second half, panic again arouse among the Argentinians as Egypt doubled the lead in the 57th minute.
This was however ruled out by the Video Assistant Referee over a foul on Argentina’s Lisandro Martinez in the buildup of the goal.
While Argentina went all out on attack, the Pharaohs neutralised the attacking threats as they waited for the perfect moment to counter and restore their two-goal lead.
This eventually came in the 67th minute as Mostafa Zico whose initial goal was ruled out by VAR.
Zico latched home a pass from Haissem Hassan to restore Egypt’s two-goal advantage.
Argentina finally found a breakthrough in the 78th minute as he headed home a lob pass to reduce the goal deficit to 2-1.
Messi eventually pulled a comeback for Argentina in the 83rd minute as he fired a half-volley past Egypt’s goalkeeper.
Argentina finally got upfront late in the 92nd minute courtesy Enzo Fernandez header.