Egypt’s U-17 team showed grit and heart on Friday night, battling to a 1–1 draw against Venezuela at the Aspire Academy Stadium in Doha to stay top of Group E at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The Young Pharaohs fell behind early when Venezuelan defender Marcos Maitan headed home from a corner in the 18th minute, punishing a rare lapse in Egypt’s backline. But coach Ahmed El-Kass’s boys refused to crumble.
After regrouping at halftime, Egypt struck back with a classy equaliser in the 54th minute, Ahly’s Hamza Abdel-Karim rising brilliantly to meet Mohanad El-Shamy’s precise cross and power home a header from close range.
Their fightback, however, was tested when Mohamed Hamad received a straight red card for a reckless tackle, leaving Egypt to play the last 30 minutes with ten men.
Goalkeeper Omar Abdelaziz turned hero, pulling off a string of crucial saves to deny Venezuela and ensure the young Pharaohs held onto a vital point.
The result keeps Egypt unbeaten and top of the group with four points, edging Venezuela on goal difference. England trailed by three points after an 8–1 demolition of Haiti in the other fixture.
With qualification in sight, Egypt will now turn their focus to a high-stakes clash against England on Monday, a match that could seal their ticket to the knockout stage and confirm their growing reputation as one of the tournament’s toughest contenders.
