ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, Jan 14 – Mo Salah scored a 97th minute VAR-awarded penalty as Egypt secured a 2-2 draw in their opening Group B match of the Africa Cup of Nations at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan on Sunday night.
Mozambique were on the way for a historic first ever victory at the AFCON after Witness Ouembo and Clesio Bauque had cancelled out Mostafa Mohamed’s early goal, but Salah ensured Egypt got off with at least a point in the duel.
The VAR, manned by Kenyan referee Peter Kamaku had called the centre referee to the pitchside monitor to review a challenge from Domingos Macandza on Mostafa, and the official awarded a spot kick, expertly tucked home by Salah.
Despite taking their early lead, seven-time champions Egypt failed to show much in the way of fluid attacking play, with talisman Salah unable to exert any great influence on proceedings.
The Liverpool forward, 31, has talked of his desire to win a first Nations Cup, having twice been a losing finalist – including two years ago in Cameroon – but head coach Rui Vitoria will know his team must improve if Egypt are to stand any chance of that happening.
Perhaps Salah’s best involvement came in the build-up to the opening goal when his miskick inadvertently fell to Mohamed, who was more alert than the surrounding defenders to guide a low strike on the turn into the corner of the net.
Minutes later, Mohamed, who was Egypt’s most dangerous player in the first half, brought a smart save from Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan before his knockdown also allowed Trezeguet to strike the post.
Egypt’s fans, many of whom were displaying Palestinian flags, expected more goals.
The Mambas, who were missing star forward Geny Catamo of Sporting Lisbon through suspension, also had their chances in the opening period as Witi dragged a left-footed drive just wide before forcing Pharaohs keeper Mohamed El Shenawy to tip over.
The game came to life in the 55th minute when El Shenawy failed to keep out Witi’s excellent near-post header despite getting a strong hand to the ball.
Just three minutes later, Mozambican players and coaching staff on the touchline were celebrating wildly when substitute Clesio raced clear before sliding home a low composed finish to make it 2-1.
There was no doubting who the neutrals were supporting, as chants of ‘Mozambique’ rang around the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium and the North Africans were booed when in possession.
Mozambique, ranked 111th in the world, 78 places below Egypt, managed to limit their opponents to long-range strikes as the clock ticked down during seven minutes of added time.
One sliced volley from Salah looked likely to sum up his day until VAR played its first significant hand at the tournament, and the forward smashed home his spot kick via the inside of the post.
It means Mozambique, playing at their fourth Afcon finals, must wait until Friday’s fixture against Cape Verde (5pm) for their next chance to break their tournament duck.
Egypt’s next game is Group B’s heavyweight clash against Ghana on Thursday (11pm).
-Additional information from BBC
