Mohamed Salah inspired Egypt to a first FIFA World Cup victory in 92 years on Sunday night, as the Pharaohs overturned a first-half deficit to beat New Zealand 3-1 and move to the top of Group G.

The result gives Egypt four points from two matches, following their opening 1-1 draw with Belgium. New Zealand, who drew 2-2 with Iran in their first outing, remain bottom of the group with a single point.

New Zealand punish slow Egypt start

The Pharaohs were flat and predictable in the opening 45 minutes, and New Zealand made them pay. The All Whites were well-organised and disciplined, keeping possession effectively to limit Egypt's threat and starve Salah of influence.

Callum McCowatt offered an early warning with a glancing header that forced a save, but Egypt did not heed it. The breakthrough came from a corner, when defender Finn Surman lost Ahmed Fatouh and steered a powerful header into the net — a deserved lead for the better side in the first half.

Ziko sparks the comeback

Egypt emerged transformed after the interval, increasing the tempo and pushing New Zealand onto the back foot. In the 58th minute, Mostafa Ziko met Mohamed Hany's cross from the right and headed beyond the goalkeeper to level the match.

That equaliser handed Salah the platform he needed. Nine minutes later, the 34-year-old exchanged passes with Ziko down the right before guiding a low, composed finish into the far corner. It was a goal of quality and calm, and it swung the match decisively in Egypt's favour.

Salah seals a historic night

In the 81st minute, Salah cut inside from the right and saw a deflected effort clear the bar. From the resulting corner, he delivered the ball to the near post, where substitute Trézéguet threw himself forward to head home and seal the win.

Salah had scored the goal that put Egypt ahead and provided the set-piece delivery that made the result safe — a defining night for a player who has carried the weight of national expectation for more than a decade.