CAIRO: A second half goal from central defender Ahmed Hegazy gave Egypt a 1-0 victory over Panama in the Under 20 World Cup in Colombia. The result on Monday night pushes Egypt closer to the knockout stages. The Ismaily defender scored in the 67th minute to boost Egypt, who had been holding on after a flood of Panamanian attacks looked as if the Central Americans would get on the score sheet first. The victory came after Friday's draw against four-time champions Brazil in the Group E opener. Egypt, who has advanced far in the tournament in the past, is looking more and more like a potential underdog surprise after two solid showings. 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. BM
