NEW DELHI: Egypt began its World Cup preparations with a 1-0 home win over Russia on Thursday night, but talisman Mohamed Salah was rested for the friendly clash in Cairo.
Mostafa Ziko’s 65th-minute header proved the difference for Egypt, which had Omar Marmoush in the starting line-up, plus marked the return of Ligue 1 centre back Mohamed Abdelmoneim after a long-term injury and made 10 changes during the match.
Salah, who joined up with his teammates on Wednesday after a tearful end to his Liverpool career at the weekend, was always likely to miss the clash.
Egypt has a friendly against Brazil in Cleveland on June 6 before it begins its World Cup Group G campaign against Belgium in Seattle on June 15. Agencies