Mohamed Salah opened his goal scoring account at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations as hosts Egypt beat DR Congo 2-0 to book a place in the next round.

Florent Ibengé made changes to the team that lost against Uganda in the first game. Notable names missing from the starting lineup being Bolasie, Arthur Masuaku, Chancel Mbemba and Paul-José Mpoku. Tresor Mputu, Jacques Maghoma, Jonathan Bolingi and Wilfred Moke started.

Defender Ahmed Elmohamady scored 25 minutes into the game after DRC failed to clear Mohammed Salah’s cross into the box. The Aston Villa man controlled the ball with his left foot and toe poked the ball into the net with his right to put the home team in front.

Jonathan Bolingi came close to finding the net heading the ball against the upright in the 40th minute agonizingly close to the equalising goal.

Mohammed Salah doubled the score for the Pharaohs. Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet made a good run in midfield and found the Salah with a great pass.

Salah took his time with Tisserand keeping an eye on him but the Liverpool forward unleashed a wonderful left-footed effort past Ley Matampi as the crowd erupted in jubilation.

Javier Aguirre’s men went into the break with a 2 goal advantage.

Egypt’s approach in the second half was reserved and allowed the DRC to come at them. El Shannawy having to deal with some fine attacking football from the DRC.

The Leopards were presented with a freekick in the 82 minute but Bolasie couldn’t bend the ball enough to beat El Shannawy.

2-0 in finished as hosts Egypt qualify for the last 16 with a game to spare while defeat for DRC are eliminated from the tournament.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer