Omar Marmoush has given Tottenham supporters an encouraging reason for optimism after scoring twice for Egypt in their 5-0 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying win over South Sudan.
The Tottenham forward started in place of Mohamed Salah and struck the second and fourth goals for Hossam Hassan’s side in Juba. Marmoush’s first came four minutes after half-time, when he raced onto Mohanad Lasheen’s forward pass before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Majak Mawith.
He completed his brace eight minutes after Ibrahim Adel had made it 3-0, getting on the end of a defence-splitting pass from Emam Ashour before rounding Mawith and firing home.
The goals were significant for Marmoush, who had gone without scoring for Egypt since March. The brace took his international tally to 13 goals in 57 appearances.
It was also a timely return to the scoresheet after Marmoush had yet to find the net for Tottenham since arriving on loan from Manchester City in August. He has started the club’s Premier League matches since joining and has shown flashes of the qualities that convinced Spurs to bring him in.
Egypt’s victory leaves them top of AFCON qualifying Group B with four points. They face South Africa in a friendly on 4 October before returning to qualifying action in November.
Opinion: Hopefully this can ignite Marmoush’s Spurs career
For Marmoush, this is exactly the sort of night he needed. Two goals, a big win and the confidence that comes from seeing the ball hit the net again could be hugely valuable as he settles into life at Tottenham.
There have been encouraging moments in his early Spurs appearances, but forwards are ultimately judged on goals. Getting off the mark for Egypt removes some of that pressure and should give him something positive to take back to north London.
Hopefully, this is the spark. Tottenham don’t need Marmoush to become a different player; they need him to play with the freedom and confidence that made him such an exciting signing. If these two goals help unlock that, Spurs could have a very useful player ready to make his mark.
