The opening match of the CAN 2023 group stage campaign between Egypt and Mozambique ended with a 2-2 draw, in which star striker Mohamed Salah rescued the “King of Egypt” with an equalizer on the spot. 11m at minute 90+7.
Goal
Egypt: Mohamed (2′), Salah (90’+7, pen)
Mozambique: Quembo (55′), Bauque (58′)
Egypt began its journey to conquer CAN 2023 with a relatively easy opening match of the group stage, only having to meet weak opponent Mozambique. And King Pharaoh showed that they were ready for a victory, scoring an early goal to take the lead in the 2nd minute, a time when many fans were still not stable.
After a pass from captain Mohamed Salah, striker Mostafa Mohamed turned and finished accurately in the penalty area, helping Egypt get off to a dream start. The early goal helped the Egyptian players dominate their opponents for most of the remaining time in the first half. Salah and his teammates dominated ball control, created many opportunities but could not convert them into goals.
Salah rescued Egypt with a goal from the penalty spot in the 90+7 minute
Salah rescued Egypt with a goal from the penalty spot in the 90+7 minute
Entering the second half, when Egypt had not really gotten back into the rhythm of the match, Mozambique made a big surprise with two quick goals in 3 minutes scored by Witiness Quembo (55′) and the player entering the field. Substitute Clesio Bauque (58′). After taking the lead back, Mozambique returned to their defensive style of play and created a solid defensive wall, negating all of Egypt’s chances of getting on the ball.
It seemed like there would be the first shock on the second day of competition of CAN 2023, but that did not happen. At minute 90+2, striker Mohamed fell in the penalty area and VAR stepped in to determine the penalty for Egypt and captain Salah did not miss the opportunity to score in minute 90+7, bringing a shocking draw for the home team.
In the remaining match of Group B, Ghana, despite being rated higher, unexpectedly fell to Cape Verde with a score of 1-2, in which veteran striker Garry Rodrigues – who was born in the Netherlands – scored a goal. sealing a 2-1 victory in the second minute of injury time. With this result, Cape Verde is temporarily leading the rankings with 3 points, while Egypt and Mozambique are in the next two positions.
Squad
Egypt: El Shenawy, Hany, Hegazy, Abdelmonem, Hamdi, Zizo, Elneny, Fathi, Salah, Mohamed, Trezeguet
Mozambique: Ernan, Macandza, Mexer, Dove, Mandava, Guima, Amade, Gildo, Domigues, Witi, Ratifo