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In their first Africa Cup of Nations match, Mohamed Salah secured a 2-2 tie for Egypt with a penalty goal during stoppage time against Mozambique.
The team that has won the Afcon championship seven times scored first with a goal from Mostafa Mohamed, but Mozambique quickly turned the game around with two goals in just four minutes in the second half, scored by Witi and Clesio.
Unfortunately, Mozambique’s chances of a monumental victory were shattered when Salah scored from the penalty spot in the seventh minute of added time. This was determined after a VAR review confirmed that Mohamed had been fouled.
Egypt started the game strong and took the lead after only two minutes. A pass was sent to Salah and although his shot was not clean, Mohamed was able to quickly take advantage of the ball. He skillfully maneuvered past Edmilson Dove and shot low into the bottom corner.
They nearly doubled their lead when Salah broke from a Mozambique attack and threaded the ball to Mohamed, but his effort was straight at the goalkeeper.
Witi came close to scoring when he missed his shot wide, and then Egypt had another opportunity to increase their lead when Mahmoud Trezeguet hit the post.
Mohamed El Shenawy was forced to respond after Mohamed Hamdy’s unsuccessful effort to clear the ball, with the Pharaohs’ goalkeeper managing to grab the ball and keep his team in the lead.
In the second half, Mozambique persisted and were finally rewarded in the 55th minute. Domingos Macandza’s cross found Witi, who headed it into the bottom corner. Despite El Shenawy getting a touch on the ball, he was unable to prevent it from going in.
After a successful team play, the Mambas gained the advantage three minutes later. Clesio skillfully avoided Ahmed Hegazi’s tackle and swiftly made his way through the center before calmly scoring past El Shenawy.
Zizo missed a shot from beyond the area for Egypt and they kept trying to score the tying goal. Hamdy Fathy redirected the ball just past the goal post before an open Salah missed the shot.
Unfortunately for Mozambique, their dreams of a historic victory were crushed at the last minute. Egypt was granted a penalty after a VAR review for a foul on Mohamed, and Salah successfully scored from the penalty spot.
PA
Source: independent.co.uk
