Mahdi Suleiman finally made his Egypt debut at the age of 39 against South Africa, ending an 11-year wait for his first appearance in the Pharaohs’ shirt.
The match, which was played as a friendly, carried particular significance for the veteran Zamalek goalkeeper, who had been called up to the national team on numerous occasions without making it onto the pitch.
Suleiman’s journey with Egypt began on 17 November 2015, when he was included in the squad for the World Cup qualifier against Chad. He remained an unused substitute on that occasion, beginning a wait that would last until 2026.
Despite being part of Egypt’s plans at different points over the years, Suleiman repeatedly watched from the bench. He was included in the squad for 18 matches without being given the opportunity to make his international debut.
That long wait finally ended against South Africa, when the goalkeeper was handed the chance to represent Egypt on the field for the first time.
His appearance brought an unusual milestone to his international career. At 39, Suleiman became the oldest player to make his first appearance for Egypt, turning the South Africa friendly into a historic occasion for the veteran goalkeeper.
The achievement came after more than a decade of waiting since his first inclusion in an Egypt squad in November 2015.
During those years, Suleiman remained available whenever he was selected but was unable to add an international appearance to his record. His repeated presence among the substitutes made his eventual debut against South Africa particularly significant.
The goalkeeper had been part of 18 Egypt matchday squads without playing before finally being given his opportunity.
For Suleiman, the South Africa game therefore represented more than another friendly for the national team. It brought an end to a prolonged period in which he had been called up without being able to defend Egypt’s colours on the pitch.
His debut at 39 also established a new record for the Pharaohs, making him the oldest player to make his first international appearance for Egypt.
The milestone came 11 years after his first involvement with the national team and marked an exceptional chapter in a career that had seen him wait patiently for his opportunity.
The South Africa match will therefore remain a landmark moment for Suleiman, whose first appearance for Egypt arrived more than a decade after he was initially called into the national team setup.
After 18 matches on the bench and years of waiting, the veteran goalkeeper finally got his chance to play for the Pharaohs.
