Messi vs Salah Showdown Set as Egypt Win on Penalties, Argentina Survive Cape Verde Thriller, Colombia Knock Out Ghana
Day 22 of the 2026 World Cup featured three African sides in dramatic action, setting up a blockbuster Messi versus Salah clash in the round of 16. Egypt made history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time, beating Australia on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Emam Ashour gave the Pharaohs the lead before an own goal leveled the contest. Neither side could break the deadlock in extra time, but Egypt held their nerve in the shootout. In one of the tournament’s classics, Argentina narrowly avoided an upset against ten-man Cape Verde. Lionel Messi put the champions ahead, but Deroy Duarte and Sidny Lopes Cabral – in stunning fashion – each drew the underdogs level. Two own goals in extra time settled a thrilling 3-2 victory for Argentina. Colombia completed the African trio’s exits by defeating Ghana 1-0. Jhon Arias’ first-half strike proved decisive as La Tricolor dominated from start to finish, leaving the Black Stars well below their best.
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