Seven times African Champions Egypt needed a stoppage time penalty to salvage a 2-2 draw against Mozambique in their opening Group B match played at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium on Sunday.
Mostafa Mohamed pounced early to put Egypt in front within two minutes from kick off after a mis-kick from captain Mohamed Salah in the box.
But Mozambique came flying with two goals from Witi Quembo and Clesio Bauque to have the Mambas sent shivers to one of the tournament favorites.
Rui Vitoria’s Pharaohs were lively throughout the first half with a lot of expectations riding on the shoulders of Salah and the experience of Trezeguet. Salah was playing in a more central role different from the way he plays at his club Liverpool.
Mozambique coach Chiquinho Conde was counting on captain Elias Gaspar Pelembe, who has set the record as the oldest outfield player at the 2023 AFCON with 40 years.
Certainly Pelembe showed class in the game and even at 40, he gave the Egyptians a few headaches.
The Egyptian side enjoying the possession but the Mambas were content to be patient and try to hit on the break.
Egypt went into halftime leading by a goal and a lot expect them to build on that.
But Mozambique equalized after the restart with Quembo placing a perfect header and moments later substitute Clesio Bauque put the Mambas ahead in stunning fashion.
The Pharaohs dreading an upset huffed and puffed at the resilient Mozambique defense chasing the equalizer.
Egypt eventually got their life saver after a VAR review awarded them a stoppage time penalty which Mohamed Salah gladly slotted to salvage a draw and a point.
Mozambique denied their first win of the tournament.
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