Mohamed Salah played the hero’s role for Egypt in their Africa Cup of Nations opener on Sunday, rescuing a 2-2 draw against Mozambique with a penalty conversion deep into injury time.
The dramatic equalizer came after a VAR check confirmed a foul on Mostafa Mohamed in the area at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, denying Mozambique a historic first-ever AFCON win.
Egypt’s Mostafa Mohamed gave them an early lead within two minutes of the Group B encounter, but the challenging late afternoon conditions seemed to affect the Pharaohs. Mozambique, winless in 12 previous AFCON attempts, leveled the score with Witiness Quembo in the 55th minute.
The momentum shifted further as Clesio Bauque, a halftime substitute, scored three minutes later to put Mozambique ahead 2-1.
Salah’s late penalty spared Egypt, but the shaky start raises questions about their AFCON campaign in Ivory Coast as they pursue a record-extending eighth title. Their next crucial match against Ghana’s Black Stars on Thursday could determine their fate before facing Cape Verde in the final group stage.
Despite early success with Mohamed’s goal, Egypt struggled as the first half progressed. Mozambique’s defensive changes at halftime paid off, with ‘Witi’ Quembo equalizing with a headed goal. Clesio’s subsequent goal threatened to give Mozambique their debut AFCON victory.
However, a late VAR-awarded penalty provided Salah the chance to rescue Egypt, converting from the spot in the dying moments of the match. The Pharaohs now face a challenging road ahead to secure their AFCON aspirations.
Source: AFP
