Mohamed Salah was once again Egypt's hero as he helped secure their first-ever World Cup win with a 3-1 victory over New Zealand.

The Pharaohs captain scored and assisted at BC Place Vancouver, moving Egypt to the top of Group G and putting them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout rounds.

Egypt had to come from behind to record their historic win after New Zealand defender Finn Surman headed the All Whites ahead in the 15th minute from Tim Payne's corner.

Nevertheless, Egypt constantly threatened an equaliser and went close either side of the half-time whistle, with Emam Ashour first poking wide before Salah failed to get any power behind his prodded effort.

Egypt eventually reaped their rewards in the 58th minute as Mostafa Zico's header proved to be too powerful for Max Crocombe to keep out, and the Pharaohs did not look back after levelling.

They were soon ahead as a quick counter saw Salah play a give-and-go with Zico before he curled past the New Zealand goalkeeper into the bottom-left corner.

Substitute Trezeguet then wrapped up victory for Egypt in the 82nd minute, scoring at the near post from Salah's corner, while Zizo squandered a golden opportunity to add a fourth in stoppage time after rounding Crocombe but still seeing his attempt saved.

Mo Salah – the Egyptian king

It was a deserved victory for Egypt, who produced 1.96 expected goals (xG) from 19 shots to New Zealand's 1.47 from 12 attempts, and it was Salah who made the all-important impact.

Salah recorded the most shots (five), touches in the box (13) and created the most chances (five) of any player, as both he and Zico became the first Egyptians to score and assist in a World Cup match.

Salah is also the first player to score at multiple World Cups for Egypt, while he is now the nation's outright top scorer in the competition with three goals, surpassing Abdel Fawzi's two.

This is the first time Egypt have scored three goals in a World Cup match, a feat achieved after Trezeguet became the first Egyptian to score off the bench in the competition.

A draw against Iran in their final group game will be enough for Egypt to secure a top-two finish, while all hope is not lost for New Zealand.

After Belgium and Iran drew earlier on Sunday, New Zealand could still reach the knockout rounds if they defeat Belgium in their final Group G clash.