Vancouver. Egypt’s players danced on the field while their red-clad fans celebrated in the stands as the Pharaohs finally secured their first World Cup win.

Mohamed Salah scored the go-ahead goal and Egypt went on to defeat New Zealand 3-1 on Sunday night.

Salah celebrated his 68th international goal by pumping his fist before being mobbed by teammates in the 67th minute. He was substituted in the 85th minute and received a standing ovation from a sellout crowd at BC Place Vancouver.

After the final whistle, coach Hossam Hassan and an assistant grabbed an Egyptian flag and ran around the field waving it as fans cheered and sang long after the match ended.

“I always give my best to the national team,” Salah said. “Today I think is a very special day, with our first win in the World Cup.”

Egypt moved to the top of Group G with the win but has not yet secured a place in the knockout stage. The Pharaohs will face Iran in a decisive match Friday in Seattle, needing at least a draw to advance.

Egypt is making its fourth World Cup appearance after missing the tournament in Qatar four years ago. Salah scored twice in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Finn Surman put New Zealand ahead in the 15th minute with a diving header from a corner kick delivered by Tim Payne. It was the third international goal for the 6-foot-3 defender, who plays for the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer.

Omar Marmoush set up Salah with a free kick in the 35th minute, but the effort went just wide into the side netting as Egypt trailed 1-0 at halftime.

“In between the first and the second half, we said it’s a no-go,” Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said. “We are not going to leave this pitch unless we claim the victory for ourselves.”

Egypt increased pressure after the break and Mostafa Mohamed equalized in the 58th minute, heading in a cross that goalkeeper Max Crocombe got a hand to but could not keep out. Mohamed celebrated by urging fans to raise the noise level.

Salah then finished a backheel assist from Mohamed to put Egypt ahead, moving him within one goal of tying the national team’s all-time scoring record held by his coach. Mahmoud Trezeguet added a third goal with a diving header in the 82nd minute.

Hamdy Fathy was substituted late in the first half after an apparent injury and replaced by Ramy Rabia.

In Egypt’s opening match against Belgium, Emam Ashour scored early, but a Lukaku-influenced defensive error led to a 1-1 draw.

New Zealand had twice led against Iran in its opener before settling for a 2-2 draw. Chris Wood said the team remains optimistic despite its winless record.

“You just have to believe and be positive,” Wood said. “We’re still one win away. We can still go in, beat Belgium and go through.”

Iran and Belgium played to a scoreless draw earlier Sunday in Inglewood, California, leaving both teams with two draws in the tournament.

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