Presented as the top favorite in Group B ahead of Ghana in this AFCON 2023, Egypt has just conceded a draw in its opening match against Mozambique, 2-2.
After the matches of Group A, it’s now the turn of Group B to kick off in the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations this Sunday. For the first match of this group between the Pharaohs of Egypt and the Mambas of Mozambique at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, a huge thunderclap almost resounded. Seven-time winner of the AFCON, Egypt, which has lost only one match in the group stage in the competition for more than a decade, came very close to a defeat in its first appearance in the AFCON 2023, were it not for a last-minute penalty to equalize.
Yet, things started well with the opening goal from the Pharaohs thanks to Mostafa Mohamed in the 2nd minute. The striker from FC Nantes, who recently defended his country attacked by Azzedine Ounahi from Morocco, perfectly concluded an action led by Captain Mohamed Salah. Despite actions from both sides, the score remained unchanged until the referee’s whistle for halftime.
In the second half, Mozambique surprised Egypt by equalizing in the 55th minute and even taking the lead three minutes later. At the Félix Houphouët Stadium, there was general astonishment. Dazed, the Pharaohs tried to react, but it was without counting on the energy exerted by the Mambas who ardently defended their lead. Unfortunately, after enduring, Mozambique eventually conceded a penalty in injury time. With precision, Mohamed Salah saved Egypt from defeat.
With this draw, Egypt starts its AFCON 2023 with a major scare and will have to show more sovereignty in four days against the Black Stars of Ghana.
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