Mohamed Salah scored and set up another goal as Egypt came from a goal behind to defeat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver, recording their first-ever victory at a FIFA World Cup.

The Pharaohs had endured fruitless campaigns at the 1934, 1990, and 2018 tournaments, and for long stretches of Monday's Group G encounter at BC Place, history appeared destined to repeat itself. Finn Surman gave the All Whites the lead in the 15th minute, powering a header into the net after poor marking allowed him a free run at the ball from a corner.

Egypt's first half offered little by way of threat. Salah's most notable moment before the break was a free-kick from the edge of the area that curled the wrong side of the left-hand post.

A second-half transformation

Head coach Hossam Hassan's half-time words appeared to have a galvanising effect. Egypt returned from the dressing room a different side — purposeful in attack and direct in their movement, forcing New Zealand into increasingly defensive positions.

The equaliser arrived in the 58th minute. Mostafa Zico, unmarked inside the area in circumstances reminiscent of Surman's opener, met Mohamed Hany's cross with a precise header to level the match.

Egypt were not content to settle for a draw. Ten minutes later, Salah seized on a rapid counter-attack, exchanged passes with Zico, and swept the ball into the net with the composure that defined so many of his finest moments in the Premier League. The Pharaohs were ahead for the first time all match.

The victory was sealed in the 82nd minute when Salah delivered a corner from the left that substitute Trezeguet met with a diving header, beating goalkeeper Max Crocombe to make it 3-1. The result moves Egypt within reach of the knockout stages.