The EFAF (Egyptian Federation of American Football) Pharoahs proved that football has taken a huge step forward in Egypt by defeating the visiting UAE (United Arab Emirates) Falcons 30-6 to win the inaugural Middle East All-Star Trophy.
The game, held at the New Giza Club on the outskirts of Cairo, attracted an enthusiastic crowd who watched the Pharoahs take control of the game early on and never let up.
The Egyptian squad took a 23-6 first half lead and then kept the Falcons at bay in the second for the win.
Pharoahs RB Omar Mansy scored 2 TDs Photo: Ahmed Hendawy
Pharoahs quarterback Mohamed Sadek threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Seif Swailam while his backup Mahmoud Abo Shady tossed a 59 yard touchdown pass to Youssef Zaiton. Running back Omar Mansy rushed for two touchdowns while the Pharoahs added a field goal.
For the Falcons, running back Taylor Avritt scored on a 13 yard touchdown run.
The Pharoahs opened the scoring on the first possession of the game with a field goal but with the defense playing solid, Egypt’s offense took the field again and Sadek found Swailam on the next series to boost the lead to 10-0.
Mansy increased the Pharoah’s lead to 17-0 early in the second quarter before UAE finally found the end zone. Luke Norrey capped a short drive with a touchdown run after returning the kickoff deep inside Egypt’s territory to close the gap to 17-6.
Pharoahs WR Youssef Zaiton scored a 59 yard touchdown. Photo: Ahmed Hendawy
However, Mansy added to the Pharoahs lead late in the first half with his second touchdown of the game and Egypt went into the break ahead 23-6.
Egypt struck on their first drive of the second half as Abo Shady connected with Zaiton for a beautiful 59 yard touchdown pass and run and the Pharoahs led 30-6 following the PAT.
With Egypt’s defensive front seven playing excellent football, Falcons quarterback David Pearce was continually harassed and under pressure in the second half. Led by defensive lineman Khaled Bassiouny, the Pharoahs sacked Pearce six times and forced three fumbles throughout the game.
Neither team could find the end zone the rest of the way and the EFAF Pharoahs came away with a decisive 30-6 win.
With files from Mohy Omar
All photos by Ahmed Hendawy for The National