A late penalty from Mohamed Salah rescued Egypt from a shock defeat against Mozambique in their opening Africa Cup of Nations Group B match. The game at Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan on Sunday evening was a flurry of emotions, with both teams having their chances to win.
Early Goal, Mozambican Comeback:
Egypt got off to a flying start when Mostafa Mohamed pounced on a loose ball in the box to score after just two minutes. However, Mozambique refused to lie down and gradually grew into the game.
Their persistence paid off in the 55th minute when Witi headed home a cross from the right.
Mozambique Stun the Pharaohs:
Just three minutes later, Mozambique stunned the crowd by taking the lead through substitute Clesio Baque. The forward found himself clear on goal and made no mistake, slotting the ball past El Shenawy.
Salah to the Rescue:
With Egypt looking down and out, they were handed a lifeline in the 93rd minute when VAR awarded them a penalty for a foul on Salah in the box. The Liverpool star stepped up and coolly converted the spot-kick to salvage a point for his team.
Key Talking Points:
- Egypt’s early dominance faded as Mozambique grew into the game.
- Witi and Baque’s goals for Mozambique were a testament to their fighting spirit.
- Salah’s late penalty saved Egypt from a humiliating defeat.
Up Next:
Egypt will face Ghana in their next Group B match on January 18th, while Mozambique will take on Cape Verde.
Match Highlights:
- Goal! Egypt take the lead after just 2 minutes through Mostafa Mohamed.
- Mozambique equalize! Witi heads home a cross in the 55th minute.
- Mozambique take the lead! Clesio Baque slots home after just 3 minutes on the pitch.
- Penalty to Egypt! VAR awards a spot-kick after a foul on Salah in the box.
- Salah scores! The Liverpool star coolly converts the penalty to level the score at 2-2.
Line-ups and Goalscorers:
Egypt (2) (Goal by Mostafa Mohamed 2′, Mohamed Salah 97′ (P))
- El Shenawy, Hany (Kamal 66’), Abdelmonem, Hegazy, Hamdy Sharaf, Elneny (Ashour 77’), Fathi, Zizo, Salah, Mohamed, Trezeguet (Marmoush 66’)
Mozambique (2) (Goal by Witi 55′, Baque 58′)
- Hernani Siluane, Mandava, Edmilson, Mexer, Domingos, Witi (Momade 81’), Amade, Guima (Nene 89’), Vilanculos (Baque 46’), Domingues (Langa 46’), Ratifo (King 66’)
AFCON 2023 Group B Table
In conclusion, This was a dramatic opening match to Group B at the Africa Cup of Nations. Both Egypt and Mozambique will be looking to build on this result in their next games.
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