AFCON 2023: Egypt escapes Mozambique's landmine

Posted : 15 January 2024

Save for the last-minute stroke of luck, Mozambique deservedly earned a win over the five-time champions. Pharaohs were cruelly denied what could have been one of the biggest shocks in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) history. A stoppage-time penalty from Egypt’s Mohamed Salah spared his nation's blushes, simultaneously denying the Mambas a maiden victory at the tournament.

Unbeaten in six competitive matches, Egypt wasted little time establishing themselves in this encounter, taking the lead within two minutes. Mostafa Mohamed, who was last on the scoresheet for the Pharaohs in their 6-0 demolition of Djibouti in November, capitalized on Salah's miss-hit shot. He pivoted on the ball, eluding Edmilson Dove before firing a fearsome strike past Ernan into the back of the net.

With an eye for goal, Mohamed nearly doubled his tally eight minutes later, but Ernan rose to the challenge, making himself big in the Mozambique goal to deny the Nantes striker. The Mambas were hanging on in the early going but displayed their own threat before the break when Witi’s effort needed to be tipped over the bar by Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.

Mozambique were down but not out at the break, setting about imposing themselves on the second period with renewed vigor. In the space of three second-half minutes, the Mambas turned the game on its head. First, Witi headed home Domingos Macandza’s pinpoint cross in the 55th minute. Then, substitute Clesio Bauque silenced the Egyptians with a stunning turn of pace, eluding two Egyptian defenders before slotting a majestic finish past El Shenawy.

In-form Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush was introduced from the bench, but as time ran out on the Egyptians’ efforts, a spate of missed opportunities looked to have cost them dearly as they began to run short of ideas. A reprieve was on the way, as deep into stoppage-time, Domingos Macandza fouled Mohamed in the box, handing Egypt a penalty. Only one man was ever going to step up, and Salah emphatically leveled proceedings from 12 yards to get the Pharaohs out of jail. Heartbreak for Mozambique, but the African minnows can surely take heart from an impressive performance against one of the continent’s superpowers. It was hardly an ideal warm-up for Egypt as they prepare to take on Ghana in their second group game, knowing anything but a win leaves them vulnerable to an early exit.

AFCON 2023: Egypt escapes Mozambique's landmine

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