Home / Football / Internationals News Spain 0-0 Egypt: European champions frustrated despite Fathy red Spain were denied by an inspired Egypt goalkeeper. Written by Nicholas McGee Last Update: March 31, 2026 10:09:40 pm BST 2 min read Spain were held to a 0-0 draw by 10-man Egypt in their final scheduled friendly on home soil before the 2026 World Cup. La Roja swept aside Serbia last week in a game that replaced the cancelled Finalissima match with Argentina, but they were frustrated in Barcelona by the seven-time African champions. Hamdi Fathy was sent off for a second bookable offence six minutes from the end of normal time, but an excellent performance from Oufa Shobeir in the Egypt goal meant the African side earned a draw. It was Egypt who had the best chance of the first half as Manchester Citys Omar Marmoush, leading the line in place of the injured Mohamed Salah, struck the post with a low drive. But Spain were much improved in the second half, Shobeir turning an effort from substitute Fermin Lopez wide of the right-hand post before his Barcelona team-mate Pedri was twice denied by point-blank saves from the Egypt goalkeeper.Islam Issa was taken off on a stretcher in a blow for the visitors, but their goal continued to live a charmed life, Cristhian Mosquera heading over and Rodri dragging wide from long range. Fathys dismissal after conceding a free-kick on the edge of the area looked like it might lead to the dam finally bursting but, after Shobeir turned Alejandro Grimaldos effort from that set-piece against the crossbar, the European champions ran out of steam and ultimately ran out of ideas. Topics: Egypt national football team Spain National Football Team Follow us: Nicholas McGee Nicholas is a freelance sports journalist with significant experience covering a wide variety of sports. He has previously worked for Stats Perform and was most recently employed as San Francisco 49ers beat writer for A to Z Sports. He regularly contributes to Gridiron magazine and has also had NFL work featured in The Times and The Mirror. Read more from Nicholas McGee
