The Young Os Mambas of Mozambique held hosts Egypt to a goalless stalemate in the opening match of the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo.

The Mozambican side started on the back foot in the well contested match at the Cairo International Stadium as Egypt dominated the opening exchanges.

The hosts came close to breaking the deadlock inside five minutes through Ahmed Abdelhamid’s brilliant left footed inswinger that crashed off the post. The El Zamalek winger beat his marker down the right channel cutting in to unleash his shot which agonizingly hit the post.

The Young Pharaohs continued to pile more pressure on the COSAFA runners-up who defended their goal. Captain Karim Hassan’s low teasing cross into the Os Mambas area inadvertently turned towards goal by Aylton Messias as he tried to clear his line, but goalkeeper Joao was able save the danger midway through the first half.

Rafaat Bayoumi was a constant threat on the left giving his opponent a difficult time. The youngster managed to wiggle through his challenger and delivered an inviting cross into the area only Mozambique to clear.

Mozambique had their first sight at the half hour mark through Aylton’s weak header which goalkeeper Mostafa Amin calmly claimed inside the box.

The second half saw both sides being more aggressive in their attacks but lacked the cutting edge to put away their chances.

The pressure mounted on the hosts for not going in front of defender Abohamada mistakenly gave away the ball just outside the box, but Mozambique failed to take advantage.

The two coaches freshened things up with a couple of substitutions as they looked for the opener but neither managed to find the all-important goal.

Mozambique were denied an opportunity by Abohamada’s inch perfect clearance just inside the box with twenty still to play.

The Young Pharaohs had a share of possession in the closing stages, but their dominance failed to produce a goal as Mozambique held on to claim a famous point.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

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