Egypt have stunned pre-tournament favourites Spain with a 2-1 victory to finish top of Group C in the men’s Olympic football tournament in Paris.
Ibrahim Adel scored twice for the North African side, who finished with seven points from three matches. Samu Omorodion netted a late consolation for Spain.
The result means Egypt will face the runners-up of Group D in the quarter-finals, while Spain, who had already qualified, may rue their decision to rest key players.
Egypt coach Rogerio Micale’s tactics proved effective from the start, with his side putting pressure on the Spanish defence early on.
Adel broke the deadlock five minutes before half-time with a superb strike from the edge of the box, following good work from Ahmed El Sayed.
Spain made changes at the interval but couldn’t regain control. Adel doubled Egypt’s lead just after the hour mark, capitalising on a defensive error.
The young Pharaohs missed chances to extend their lead further, with Ahmed Nabil and Hussein Atef both going close.
Omorodion headed in for Spain deep into injury time, but it was too late to affect the outcome.
This impressive victory marks a significant achievement for Egyptian football at Olympic level, as they prepare to face either Japan, Paraguay, Mali or Israel in the last eight.
