In a dramatic turn of events, Mohamed Salah proved to be Egypt’s savior as he converted a penalty seven minutes into injury time, securing a 2-2 draw against Mozambique in their opening Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) game on Sunday.
The late penalty, awarded after a VAR check for a foul on Mostafa Mohamed in the area, denied Mozambique a historic first-ever AFCON win at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
Egypt, a record seven-time African champion, had an ideal start when Mohamed found the net within two minutes of the Group B encounter.
However, the challenging conditions of late afternoon heat and humidity seemed to take a toll on the Pharaohs.
Mozambique, aiming for their first victory in 12 previous attempts across four past AFCON appearances, leveled the score with a goal from Witness Quembo in the 55th minute.
The game took an unexpected turn as Mozambique surged ahead 2-1 three minutes later, courtesy of Clesio Bauque, who came on as a half-time substitute.
Despite Mozambique’s dreams of a historic win, Salah’s composed penalty in the dying moments ensured Egypt escaped with a draw.
The Group B rivals, Ghana and Cape Verde, are set to face each other later in the same stadium.
