Egypt edged closer to the U-20 World Cup knockout after securing a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama on Tuesday. The Egypt youngsters, who played through fasting, earned their hard-fought victory in Barranquilla, Colombia thanks to a second-half header from Ismaili defender Ahmed Hegazi. The young Pharaohs claimed their fourth point from two games to move to top of Group E temporarily as four-time champions Brazil take on Austria later. Egypt had most of the possession in the first half but, in addition to their opponents' resilience, the young Pharaohs' finishing was far from efficient. Striker Mohamed Hamdi had a couple of good chances but couldn't apply the finishing touch, while Mohamed Salah saw his powerful effort from range go inches wide. Panama came close with an effort from star man Cecilio Waterman but Ahmed Al-Shennawi was equal to it as Mohamed Ibrahim forced a good save from Luis Mejia at the other end. Hegazi settles it It was all Egypt after the break as the opening goal seemed to be looming, thanks to the constant threat of talented duo Salah and Ibrahim. But it was defender Hegazi who broke the deadlock when he headed home past Mejia on 67 minutes, following an excellent delivery by Ali Fathi from the freekick. Egypt's performance significantly declined after the goal as the Panamanians dictated play but with no real threat on Al-Shenawi's goal.
