AFCON 2023: Egypt secure late draw against Mozambique; Salah to the rescue

Egypt opened their AFCON 2023 campaign with a point

Mohamed Salah and his Egyptian side left it late to secure a 2-2 draw against Mozambique in their opening match of AFCON 2023.

The record-time African champions scored the equaliser on penalty and escaped an upset in their Group B match. Egypt dominated the match and took an early lead. Mozambique made a comeback in the second half and scored back-to-back goals. However, a late penalty denied three points for Mozambique and the encounter ended 2-2.

Egypt made a great start to this match. Just inside the 2nd minute, Mohamed Salah created the first goal of the encounter. The Liverpool forward delivered a ball into the opposition penalty box. Mostafa Mohamed got to the end of the pass and converted the chance.

The record AFCON champions ended the first half with a 1-0 lead. They could have doubled the lead, but Mahmoud Trezeguet’s shot hit the crossbar in the 25th minute.

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Mozambique came with a different game plan in the second half. Witi scored the opener for his side inside the 55th minute to level the score for his side. Clesio Bauque gave his side the lead in the 58th minute. Within three minutes, Mozambique took the lead.

It looked like the record champions were heading to their first defeat of the campaign. Deep inside extra-time, the Egyptians were awarded a penalty. On stepped Mohamed Salah and scored his first goal of the competition.

Egypt will face a tough test against Ghana in their next group match. Mozambique will face Cape Verde in their second group-stage match.

Earlier, Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guinea. Victor Osimhen also opened his account in the tournament. The race for the Golden Boot is up and running.

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