Hamza Abdelkarim scores first Egypt goal in 5-0 AFCON qualifying win

Abdelkarim makes instant impact for Egypt

Barcelona striker Hamza Abdelkarim scored his first international goal as Egypt defeated South Sudan 5-0 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday.

Egypt had already taken control through goals from Mostafa Zico, Ibrahim Adel and a brace from Omar Marmoush before Abdelkarim entered the match in the 87th minute.

The Barcelona youngster still had time to make his mark. In stoppage time, he tapped the ball into an empty net after the goalkeeper had parried a shot across goal, completing the emphatic win and opening his international account.

Hossam Hassan backs young striker

Egypt manager Hossam Hassan had praised Abdelkarim before the match, describing him as “a tremendous player and a great prospect.”

“We must be patient, but he is certainly set to play a bigger role from now on and already has the chance to get more playing time. He is ready,” Hassan told reporters.

Egypt will face South Africa in a friendly on Sunday before Abdelkarim returns to Barcelona to rejoin his club teammates.