Egypt fall to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia pulled off a last-gasp 2-1 win over Egypt as the two sides departed from the tournament on Monday, adding to the misery of Egypt's prolific striker Mohamed Salah and giving the Saudis their first victory at a World Cup since 1994.

Salah put Egypt ahead but wasted a golden opportunity to double the lead.

The win, settled by midfielder Salem Al-Dawsari's angled strike in the 95th minute, meant Saudi Arabia finished third in Group A, while Egypt finished last with three losses.

Mohamed Salah, who added one in this game to end the tournament with two goals, cuts a dejected figure as Egypt's campaign ended with three defeats. Photo: Reuters

"We lost two games with goals conceded after 90 minutes," Egypt's Argentine coach Hector Cuper said. "We are up against the top teams in the world and even they concede goals."

It was a sad send-off for Salah who missed the opening game of the tournament with the shoulder injury he picked up during Liverpool's Champions League final. He opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when he raced on to Abdallah Said's long pass and kept his cool to lob Saudi goalkeeper Yasser Al-Mosailem. He paid for the wasted opportunity deep into first-half stoppage time when Colombian referee Wilmar Roldan awarded Saudi Arabia a penalty and Salman Al-Faraj converted from the spot.

Saudi Arabia pressed for a winner in the second half but the game appeared to be heading for a 1-1 draw  until Abdullah Otayf teed up Al-Dawsari to angle his shot past El-Hadary.