Dramatic Draw: Egypt and Mozambique Share honors in 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Opener
Egypt's Mohamed Salah wait to take a penalty, which he scores for his side second goal of the game during the African Cup of Nations Group B soccer match between Egypt and Mozambique in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
This Sunday, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire continued with Egypt facing Mozambique at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, as part of the first round of Group B. In a hard-fought encounter, the Pharaohs managed to secure a 2-2 draw against the Mambas.
Egypt started the match with intensity, netting a goal through Mostafa Mohamed as early as the 2nd minute.
Despite displaying evident technical superiority, the Pharaohs gradually lost momentum, allowing Mozambique to equalize in the 55th minute.
In what seemed like a routine play, a precise cross found the head of Witi, propelling the ball into the net – a crucial three minutes for the Mambas.
The match took a surprising turn when Clésio, who came on in the early stages of the second half, skillfully maneuvered through the Egyptian defenders to neatly place the ball into the net with his right foot. A complete turnaround, putting Mozambique in the lead at 2-1!
In the dying moments of injury time, Mohamed Salah converted a penalty awarded to Egypt, salvaging a draw.
Egypt shares points with Mozambique in their opening match. Meanwhile, Ghana and Cape Verde are set to clash in the other Group B fixture.
