
Youssef Ahmed's breakthrough moment at the 2019 Asian Cup was one for the history books. The Egyptian forward scored a hat-trick against Iraq, which not only helped his team secure qualification to the final but also showcased his immense talent and skill on the world stage.
Aged just 17 years and 244 days, Ahmed became the youngest player ever to score three goals in a single match at a major international tournament. He had previously shown glimpses of his potential during his time with Al-Ahly SC, but this performance at the Asian Cup marked a turning point in his career.
The young striker impressed many with his speed, agility and clinical finishing ability, scoring twice within six minutes of each other in the second half. His goal from outside the box in the first half proved to be particularly influential as it set up his hat-trick in the second period.
Ahmed's performance earned him widespread praise from fans and pundits alike, who hailed him as a future star of African football. His tally of three goals in two matches at the tournament was also a record for any player under 20 years old.
Despite being just 17 years old, Ahmed showed no signs of rustiness or lack of experience after his impressive display. His confidence and composure on the pitch were evident throughout the game, and he continued to dominate the opposition throughout.
His breakout performance at the Asian Cup has undoubtedly boosted his reputation and opened doors for him to continue playing at the highest level. It will be interesting to see how Ahmed develops over the coming years and whether he can continue to make waves in African football.