From our special correspondent in Abidjan – Nothing went as planned for Egypt. Mohamed Salah’s Pharaohs drew on Sunday against Mozambique for their entry into Group B of CAN 2024 (1-2). The seven-time champion equalized from a Salah penalty in added time.
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The African Cup promises to be full of surprises and the Pharaohs almost paid the price. Put in difficulty by a playful Mozambique, Mohamed Salah’s Egypt only equalized in the last moments thanks to a penalty obtained thanks to VAR (2-2).
The two teams were responsible for launching the CAN at “Félicia”, the legendary historic stadium of Ivory Coast. The stadium in the Plateau district, however, remains largely empty, just like its Ébimpé counterpart earlier in the day during Nigeria – Equatorial Guinea. However, the scattered groups of Egyptian supporters took it upon themselves to chant for 100.
With such encouragement, Egypt struck hard from the start. Trezeguet does the job on the left and if Mohamed Salah misses, Mostafa Mohamed places a powerful strike close to the post (2nd, 1-0).
“Again! Again! Again!” enthuse the Pharaons supporters in the stadium. However, if this early goal gives rise to fears of a one-sided match, this is not the case: the Mambas have not come to make up the numbers and bring danger via the full-backs. A Witi strike shakes the Reds. Serious, diligent and fast, Egypt places counterattacks.
The pace is lively and pleasant and the cool break is far from being a luxury given the heat and intensity displayed by the two teams. Perked up, Gildo sends a nice cross-shot into the area. Mohamed El Shenawy slams the ball out of the frame and is hurt in the process (35th). The Pharaohs respond on the counter: Elneny clears and Siluane comes out far from his area to prevent Salah from taking advantage (38th). The Mozambique goalkeeper, however, had his hand shaking just before half-time and released a harmless ball. Without consequences despite the Egyptian attackers lurking (45th + 3).
Returning from the locker room, the Mambas ignite the match in three minutes. First Witi, one of the most leggy Mozambicans, deceives the Egyptian goalkeeper with a header (55th, 1-1). Then, Guimaraes sends a precise pass to Clesio, who places a flat foot out of reach of El Shenawy (58th, 1-2). Football moves very quickly! And the yellow part of the stadium roars with pleasure.
Hit, sunk, Egypt? The Pharaohs are in any case stunned and are struggling to bring danger to the opposing camp. Siluane even allows himself a hook in front of Mostafa Mohamed, praised by his supporters.
To protect the score, the Mambas show rigor, but also more harshness. Mandava and Guimaraes receive yellow cards. And when the grinta isn’t enough, there’s still Siluane. Mozambique believes it will resist until the end.
But a penalty obtained after checking on the VAR will cruelly deprive him of the victory. Mo Salah transforms with the help of the post, despite the whistles of the supporters (90th + 5, 2-2).
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Group B therefore remains open pending the result of Ghana – Cape Verde. The Black Stars have the opportunity this evening to get a head start before challenging the seven-time African champions on Thursday.