Egypt made their AFCON 2023 debut against Mozambique in Group B on January 14. The Pharaohs drew 2-2 with the Mambas on Sunday January 14.
After Nigeria's 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in Group A, there was another AFCON 2023 sensation on Sunday January 14. In Pool B, Egypt, 7-time African champions, stumbled in their opening game against Mozambique. Final score, 2-2. Egypt quickly showed that they had no time to lose. As early as the 2nd minute, Mostafa Mohamed opened the scoring with a superb swivel shot after Mo Salah had missed a rebound.
Far from their defensive standards for the 2021 edition, Egypt wanted to wrap up the match quickly. However, striker Mostafa Mohamed missed the 2-0 lead in the 9th minute after a one-on-one with the keeper. Trezeguet hit the post in the 25th minute. In an open match, with both teams looking to move forward, Mozambique played their chances to the full. The Mambas almost equalized just after the half-hour mark with an own goal, but the ball hit the crossbar. At half-time, Egypt led 1-0 in their first match of this AFCON 2023.
In the second half, Mozambique took control of the match. The Mozambicans equalized in the 55th minute with a fine header from Witi. Later, Clésio Bauque, who came on at half-time, fired past El Shenawy after a superb team move to give his side the lead (58th). Chiquinho Conde's men managed to hold on to their lead against the clumsy Egyptians. But in added time, Mohamed Salah converted a penalty (90+7) to save the day.
