By Nana Kwame Bediako
Seven-time Champions, Egypt took on the Mambas of Mozambique in their opening group game at the Felix Houphouet Boigny stadium in what was a thrilling encounter between the two countries as both sides played out a 2:2 draw.
The Pharaohs of Egypt brought the game to life in the 2nd minute of proceedings as they immediately took the lead with a lovely spin strike from Nantes striker, Mostafa Mohamed whose goal stunned the confidence of the Mambas.
After going ahead, Egypt dominated the first half with the majority of the play as they possessed more of the ball forcing Mozambique to sit deep and defend. Mozambique gradually crawled back into the game which saw them force a difficult save from Egyptian goalkeeper, El Shenaw in the first half.
The second half started with Egypt still taking charge of the game but were unable to make good use of their chances as they saw majority of the ball. The Pharaohs pushed to cement their lead but unfortunately, they were peaked back by the Mambas in the 55 minute when Witi equalised with a header from a Macandza cross.
Shortly after equalising, the Mambas quickly went ahead in the 58th minute when second-half substitute, Bauque calmly finished off his chance in a lovely manner as he left the experienced El Shenaw with no chance of stopping the ball from entering the net.
The Pharaohs in the dying minutes were awarded a penalty as Macandza’s challenge on Mostafa Mohamed in the box wasn’t taken lightly. Mohammed Salah stepped up and took responsibility as he scored from the spot to make it 2:2.
The results between the two countries open the group as they look to capitalise on their chances in their next matches moving forward.
