🚧 Beta Version: We’re refining things - tell us what you think and help us improve!
Syncing...
Scores
EGY vs NZL
ACUD Cup
New Administrative Capital Stadium, Cairo
Egypt
vs
New Zealand
1
FT
0
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 1 - 0
Despite an encouraging performance, the All Whites have fallen to a slim defeat against Egypt in the first semi-final of the ACUD Cup. Make sure you join me again on Tuesday for live commentary of the All Whites next match against either Tunisia or Croatia. It's been a pleasure bringing you all the action from the New Administrative Stadium in Cairo tonight. For now, Harrison Ryburn signing out.
Egypt will go onto face the winner of the second semi-final between Tunisia and Croatia in the ACUD Cup final on Wednesday morning NZT, whilst the All Whites will get another shot at high-profile opposition when they face the loser of that match also on Wednesday morning NZT.
Another scratchy performance from Egypt despite picking up the win tonight. They were really sub-par with a number of key men missing and never really found their feet. The press of the All Whites clearly rattled them, and they were stuck inside their own half for long stages, growing frustration as the contest progressed. The Pharaohs did ask some questions in transition through Marmoush, who was their only real live-wire going forward, and probably could have extended the lead with a couple of chances. Hossam Hassan will be disappointed with the way his side lost the midfield battle though, and they struggled for much traction through the middle of the park. Ultimately Mostafa Mohamed's controversial early penalty proved the difference, giving them something to hold onto throughout the match.
Liberato Cacace, as he so often is, was probably the All Whites most impressive today, captaining his nation for the first time and working tirelessly down the left flank. He defended Trezeguet well for the most part, and also asked plenty of questions on attack with a couple of dangerous deliveries off the flank. His attacking teammates couldn't quite put it all together though, and Max Mata clearly lacked the height of Chris Wood up front. The midfield combination also worked well for the most part, controlling the match well and stealing possession time and time again. Singh was probably the best in that area, but Stamenic and Lewis also toiled hard.
Fulltime in Cairo and Egypt progress to the final of the ACUD Cup thanks to a controversial first-half penalty goal from Mostafa Mohamed. The All Whites gave them a big fright though, and almost rained on the new coach's parade with a strong showing. Darren Bazeley's side dictated for long stages, notably during the first half hour of either stanza. They pressed high up the pitch both with and without possession, keeping their hosts on their toes and pinning them back inside their own half. As has often been the case though, the All Whites lacked accuracy inside the final third struggled to find the goal that their play deserved. Singh came closest with a free kick effort that struck the crossbar, whilst Mata also missed a couple of good openings in the first half. Egypt held firm through it all, and despite being the better team on the night, the All Whites have fallen to a fourth defeat in six games.
90+4'
Crocombe sends a long ball up the pitch with everyone forward for the All Whites. It's taken down by Waine, who attempts to spread it wide for Barbarouses on the right. The latter just about keeps it in play, before finding Bindon in support. His delivery into the middle is headed away though, and that could be that.
90+2'
Egypt have chosen to run down the clock with a couple of late changes, bringing on Mostafa Fathi and Mohamed Shokry.
M. Shokry
M. Hamdi
90+2'
M. Fathi
O. Marmoush
90+2'