Mohammed Salah scored a 94th minute penalty to salvage a crucial one point for seven times champions Egypt in a 2-2 draw against low key Mozambique in Group B’ 2023 Africa Cup of Nations match played at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium on Sunday.
Mustafa Mohammed had given Egypt a surprise early goal inside the opening two minutes after pouncing on Salah’s miss hit shot to fire low into the bottom right corner of the Mozambique goal.
Eight minutes later, Mohammed came close to doubling Egypt’s lead but Ernan in goal for Mozambique made himself big and prevented the Pharaohs from taking a 2-0 lead.
Against the run off play, Mozambique who are commonly known as the Mambas came close to leveling the scores in the 20th minute but Egypt’s goalkeeper Mohammed El Shanawy tipped Witi’s effort over the bar to take a narrow 1-0 half time lead.
In the final half, Mozambique came back a more rejuvenated team, more offensive and willing to push numbers forward a tactic that saw them level the score through Witi who headed home Domingos Macandza’s pinpoint cross in the 55th minute.
Three minutes later, Clesio Bauque silenced the Egyptians after coming off the bench to give Mozambique a surprise 2-1 lead with 30 minutes left on the clock.
Seeking a quick response, the Egyptian coach introduced German based striker Omar Marmoush to try and get the Pharaohs back into the match.
However, the Mozambique defense marshalled by Dove and Mexer stood tall preventing and defended the Egyptian wave of attacks.
With the clock ticking away, Mozambique thought they were strolling to a shocking win against the African giants but a 93rd minute wild tackle on Mohammed by Domingos handed Egypt a lifeline after the VAR gifted the Egyptians a penalty.
Liverpool striker Salah stood up and leveled the scores from the spot and hence securing a vital point for the seven time champions.
