Drama unfolded at Ivory Coast’s Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium as Egypt relied on a last-minute Salah penalty to secure a 2-2 draw against Mozambique in Group B.
The VAR-awarded penalty, converted by Salah, denied Mozambique a historic AFCON win, leaving their coach, Chiquinho Conde, disheartened.
Despite Mohamed’s early goal for Egypt, the sapping heat took its toll, allowing Mozambique to equalize with a Witiness Quembo header and later take the lead through Clesio Bauque.
Salah’s late heroics saved Egypt, but it was far from an impressive start to their campaign for an eighth AFCON crown.
Looking ahead, Egypt faces a crucial match against Ghana, who suffered a 2-1 defeat to Cape Verde. Ghana appeared set for a draw, but poor defending led to Cape Verde’s 92nd-minute winner by Garry Rodrigues.
Cape Verde’s coach, Pedro ‘Bubista’ Brito, expressed their desire to showcase their footballing prowess on the continental stage.
In another Group A clash, Nigeria, led by African Player of the Year Osimhen, settled for a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea.
The sight of a nearly empty stadium raises concerns for organizers, despite Ivory Coast beating Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in the same venue.
Meanwhile, holders Senegal kick off their campaign against Gambia in Group C, with Cameroon and Algeria also in action.
The tournament unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
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