Egypt hold firm to stay top of Group E in Doha at FIFA U17 World Cup 2025 | OneFootball

Abdelkarim goal earns vital point

Egypt hold firm to stay top of Group E in Doha at FIFA U17 World Cup 2025

Egypt’s U17 national team took significant step toward the Round of 16 at the FIFA U17 World Cup 2025 in Qatar after earning hard fought 1-1 draw with Venezuela on Friday afternoon.

The young Pharaohs fell behind early in the first half when Marcos Metan capitalized on poor marking to turn in cross from close range in the 18th minute giving the South Americans the lead.

After regrouping at halftime, Egypt responded impressively. In 53rd minute Hamza Abdelkarim rose highest to meet precise cross and powered header past the Venezuelan goalkeeper leveling the score and igniting Egyptian hopes of early qualification.

Despite several late chances from both sides, neither team could find winner as the match ended with honors even.

Group E standings after matchday 2

Elsewhere in the group, England demolished Haiti 8-1, a result that keeps the standings finely balanced ahead of the final round:

With four point from two match and superior goal difference, Egypt sit top of Group E knowing that even draw in their final fixture could be enough to secure direct qualification to the Round of 16.

The Pharaohs will face England next, in what promises to be a decisive showdown for group supremacy.