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VIDEO: Egypt U-20 close in on World Cup last 16 Egypt claim a narrow 1-0 win over Panama in the early hours of Tuesday to edge closer to a place in the U-20 World Cup round of 16
Central defender Ahmed Hegazy headed home in the second half as Egypt secured a 1-0 victory over Pamana to close in on a place in the U-20 World Cup round of 16 in Colombia on Tuesday. The towering Ismaily man notched the winner seven minutes past the hour mark to help Egypt end the resistance of Panama, who withstood a flurry of opportunities for long periods. Egypt, who caused an upset after holding four-time winners Brazil to a 1-1 draw in their Group E opener, are now on the verge of booking a last-16 berth as they aim to challenge for a tournament they have never won. They have four points from two games, three ahead of Brazil, Panama and Austria. Brazil and Austria meet later in the day. The winners and runners-up of the six groups at the World Cup will qualify for the knockout phase. The best four third-placed teams will also go through in the biennial 24-team tournament. Egypt failed to replicate the electrifying performance they produced against Brazil but still had the upper hand over a modest Panama side, squandering several clear-cut chances in the first half. The first genuine opportunity fell to attacking midfielder Mohamed Salah, who was praised by Brazil's manager after unsettling the Selecao's defense with his trickery during last Saturday's tie, after 20 minutes when his deflected cross from the left struck the post. Panama briefly threatened Egypt ten minutes later when a low shot by Cecilio Waterman was saved by keeper Ahmed El-Shennawy, who shrugged off a facial injury to take part in the match, but the young Pharaohs soon regained control. Lone striker Mohamed Hamdy wasted Egypt's best chance on 31 minutes when he was picked out by a pinpoint cross from lively right-back Ahmed Sobhy but his early jump could not help him direct a header goalwards as he headed wide with the goal gaping. Few minutes before the break, a blistering shot by Salah went just over the crossbar. Egypt continued to lay siege to Panama's area after the break, with Salah wreaking havoc upfront after moving to the right wing. The pressure paid off on 67 minutes after the Arab Contractors man won a free kick on the right. Midfielder Mohamed El-Nenni whipped in a cross and Hegazy out-jumped his marker to head home and give Egypt a deserved lead. Egypt eased off afterwards but managed to hold onto their lead in the dying minutes to claim their first win this tournament.
