Mozambique were denied their first-ever win at the Africa Cup of Nations after they drew 2-2 with Egypt in their Group B opener on Sunday evening.
The Mambas were making only their fifth AFCON appearance and their first since 2010 but had never recorded a win in previous outings.
Egypt got off to a perfect start at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny with Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed giving them the lead in the second minute after sending in a well-struck low shot off a loose ball that fell to his path.
Mozambique tried to equalise in the 17th minute but Witi’s close-range effort went wide. The Mambas tried their luck again after the break through Bruno Langa’s freekick in the 48th minute but his effort also went wide.
Their moment finally came in the 55th minute when Domingos Macandza’s brilliant cross found Witi who sent in a powerful header in. Mozambique went ahead three minutes later after Guima teed up Clesio Bauque who evaded a challenge and coolly slotted a low shot into the bottom right corner of the net.
⌚ FULL-TIME!
Both teams share the points as Egypt’s late goal cancels out Mozambique’s great comeback. ????#EGYMOZ | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/aWLBDUcPdR
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 14, 2024
It looked like Chiquinho Conde’s men were going to get the historic three points but they were denied in added time after Mohamed was fouled in the penalty box. Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah stepped and converted the resultant spot kick which hit the woodwork before going in.
Mozambique will be hoping for their first AFCON win when they take on fellow Lusophone country Cape Verde next while the Egyptians tackle four-time AFCON champions Ghana.
