CURRENT REPORT BLOG In their inaugural Africa Cup of Nations match on Sunday, Mohamed Salah spared Egypt from a potentially embarrassing defeat by securing a 2-2 draw against Mozambique. Salah’s decisive penalty, awarded after a VAR check for a foul on Mostafa Mohamed in the penalty area, came seven minutes into injury time at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan. This last-minute equaliser denied Mozambique what would have been their historic first AFCON victory.
Despite Mostafa Mohamed giving Egypt a perfect start with a goal within two minutes of the Group B clash, the challenging late afternoon conditions, marked by high heat and humidity, appeared to take a toll on the Pharaohs. Mozambique, winless in their 12 previous attempts in four past Cup of Nations appearances, leveled the score at 1-1 through Witness Quembo in the 55th minute. The game took a dramatic turn as Mozambique secured a 2-1 lead three minutes later when Clesio Bauque, a half-time substitute, broke through the defense.
