El Tri win on pens in testament to the tournament
A heavyweight clash at the top of Group D between El Tri and The Pharaohs did not disappoint on and off the pitch on day four at the Oslo 2025 Homeless World Cup.
Both nations were well supported in the stands and showed some amazing skill and fluid football on the pitch in a testament to the tournament.
It was exciting football all round l in the opening stages as both teams tried to break the deadlock. Mexico took the first chance of the game, but the Egyptian keeper was able to match the shot with a strong body save.
Midway through the first half, the scores still level, Egypt had to dig in and defend with courage as Mexico turned up the heat on the Egyptian goal. The Mexicans came close to taking the lead in the fifth minute, after seeing multiple attempts not getting past Egypt’s mountainous goalkeeper, when they hit the crossbar from distance.
The game remained a close match up. But, in the sixth minute the deadlock was broken and the Egyptian defence breached as Mexico took a slender one goal lead.
The Pharaohs, not making it easy for the reigning champions, upheld an amazing level of quality and searched for an equaliser. Their first chance of the second half came early on, moving the ball well between them, and created space down the left flank, but Mexico’s goalkeeper covered his near post well to make the save.
Egypt’s mountain became harder to climb, as nearing the midway point of the second half, they had a player shown a blue card. This allowed Mexico the extra man.
With three minutes left, Egypt got their man back with no damage done by the Mexicans, giving them a great chance to go searching for an equaliser.
A chance from a free kick on the edge of the box came the way of Egypt with two minutes left. With quick reactions, Mexico closed down the angle and the pot-shot was sent straight into the Mexican goalkeepers mid-drift.
Egypt threw the kitchen sink at the Mexicans to level the scores and their efforts were rewarded with little time left as they were awarded a penalty.
With the crowd behind them, Egypt converted the penalty with excellent precision. This proved to be the last action of the match, sending the game to penalties.
Both teams showed how much quality they have in their ranks with both penalties being saved by the goalkeepers.
With a second chance, Mexico showed composure to take the lead in an incredible shootout. Egypt looked to level the scores and stay in the competition, but were unable to direct their shot goalwards, striking wide, to hand Mexico a hard fought win.
A truly brilliant clash between two strong teams lived up to expectation with both teams going toe to toe until the very end, Mexico continuing their journey to retain their title as Homeless World Cup champions with a narrow victory over Egypt on penalties.
Words by Izaak Darvill | Photos by John Anderson & Anita Milas