Belgium and Egypt played out a 1-1 draw in their World Cup Group G opener in Seattle. Emam Ashour gave Egypt the lead in the 18th minute before an own goal forced by Romelu Lukaku leveled the score.
Egypt took the lead when Ashour received a pass from Mohamed Salah and fired a low shot past Thibaut Courtois. The Al Ahly forward scored his first international goal after Egypt had dominated the early stages.
Belgium improved after the break. Kevin De Bruyne struck the post with a free kick and the team introduced Lukaku from the bench. The striker’s presence led directly to the equalizer when Mohamed Hany turned Thomas Meunier’s cross into his own net after just 22 seconds on the pitch.
Lukaku later missed a late header that would have won the match for Belgium. Egypt had earlier come close through several efforts but could not find a second goal.
The result leaves both teams with one point from their opening fixture in Group G.
