One of Egypt's Goalscorers: We Are the Best Team in Africa

Mostafa Mohamed-Zico was preparing for a vacation on Egypt's Mediterranean coast when an unexpected call-up to the national football team changed his plans, sending him to North America. “I was out of the national team picture, and honestly, I didn't expect it. I was at the coast, but coach Hossam Hassan called me up and brought me into the squad. Suddenly, I found myself with the Egyptian team at the World Cup,” the Pyramids FC forward told reporters after their 3-1 victory over New Zealand at BC Place in Vancouver.

Before his call-up, he was considered a peripheral player, but he quickly became a fan favorite. Named after the Brazilian legend Zico, he truly embodies the tradition of Egyptian footballers adopting the names of global stars. The team also boasts a 'Trezeguet'. Zico can play both on the wings and as a striker, and against New Zealand, he repaid the coach's trust. In warm-up matches, he scored against both Russia and Brazil before netting his first World Cup goal against New Zealand in Vancouver, where he also assisted Mohamed Salah with a clever back-heel pass in the penalty area. His story isn't new – players called up at the last minute, sometimes even from vacation, performing exceptionally well. History even recalls a European champion like this: Denmark in 1992, assembled from holiday resorts, went on to lift the trophy in Sweden.

Egypt's victory over New Zealand marked the country's first win at a World Cup, placing them in a dominant position in Group G ahead of their final match against Iran, as the team vies for a spot in the knockout stage for the first time. “From the first minute, Hossam Hassan has given us confidence,” Zico stated. “Thank God I haven't disappointed him for a second.” Despite Egypt's strong start, the players aren't deluding themselves into thinking this is a grand success, he added. “We haven't achieved anything yet. I hope we can go even further,” he said. “We are the strongest team in Africa. Why shouldn't we go as far as possible in this tournament?”