10/05 - 20:00
Mohamed Salah's stoppage-time penalty saved Egypt's blushes as the serial AFCON winners were held to a draw by Mozambique.
The Egyptians were expected to win this game comfortably and it certainly looked that way when they took the lead just two minutes into the game.
Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed was able to instinctively turn and finish a loose ball in the Mozambique box with goalkeeper Ernan Siluane unable to do anything about the effort.
Many would have expected Egypt to build on their lead but they were up against a spirited Mozambique side who equalised ten minutes after the break after a brilliant header from Witi Quembo.
Then just three minutes later, Clésio Baúque was played through on goal, took a great first touch to get away from the Egyptian defenders, and then kept his cool to slot the ball past Moha El-Shenawi.
It was a stunning three minutes and Egypt found it difficult to break down a determined Mozambique side who could sense a shock victory.
It took a late, late penalty for Egypt to eventually draw themselves level. Domingos Mexer was guilty of the foul when he tried to clear a ball that Mostafa Mohamed was already getting to and instead kicked the Egyptian.
The call wasn't initially given with VAR intervening leading to the referee to point to the spot six minutes into stoppage time.
Captain Mohamed Salah stepped up to take and his effort bounced in from the inside of the post to spare Rui Vitória's team from what would have been a stunning defeat.
⌚ FULL-TIME!
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 14, 2024
Both teams share the points as Egypt's late goal cancels out Mozambique's great comeback. 🤝#EGYMOZ | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/aWLBDUcPdR
2-2 | ||
Mostafa Mohamed 2' Mohamed Salah 90' (pen.) | Witi Quembo 55' Clésio Baúque 58' |
