14th January, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Mohamed Salah scored a late penalty on Sunday as Egypt forced impressive Mozambique to a 2-2 draw at the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Egypt, highly favourite to emerge from Group B took the lead two minutes into the game. Mostafa Mohamed pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area and beat the goalkeeper with a shot into the bottom right corner.
Eight minutes later, Mohamed got inside the penalty area and sent a powerful shot that almost ended inside the net. The keeper was alert and made a good save.
Mozambique equalised in the 55th minute of the match. Domingos Macandza showcased his brilliant technique and produced a beautifully lofted cross into the box. Witi got onto the scoresheet by heading it low inside the right post to make it 1-1.
Three minutes later, Mozambique added a second goal to shock everyone. Guima tees up Clesio Bauque inside the box and he rolls the ball into the bottom right corner and past Mohamed El Shenawy to make it 1-2.
Hamdi Fathi almost equalised for Egypt but wasted the clear opportunity. He fired a first-time shot from point-blank range, but it rattled the right post.
Egypt got a lifeline two minutes into added time as Mohamed was brought down under a challenge in the box. After VAR’s review, the referee pointed to the penalty spot.
Salah converted the penalty kick as he sent the ball in off the left post, giving Ernan no chance.