After the successful debut of Côte d'Ivoire this Saturday at the opening of CAN 2023 , Egypt, one of the other big favorites of the competition, entered the fray this Sunday. Opposed to a modest but eye-catching Mozambique team , the Pharaohs were keen to get into their tournament well in the wake of Mohamed Salah in great form. In this state of mind from the first seconds of play, the Rui Vitoria gang did not hang around. On a cross from the left, Mostafa Mohamed took advantage of Salah's missed shot to deceive the opposing goalkeeper (1-0, 2nd). Calm, the Egyptians were then close to doubling the lead but Trezeguet hit the post with his clear shot (25th). Nevertheless, the Os Mambas showed the beginnings of a revolt on several opportunities (18th, 36th). It was finally upon returning from the locker room that the Mozambican players completely reversed the situation, in three minutes, by showing themselves much more incisive than an idle Egypt .
While Witi equalized with a powerful header (1-1, 55th), it was Clésio, who entered the second half, who gave his team the advantage by forcing his way through the Egyptian defense (2-1, 58th). Combative and united in the face of the Egyptian waves, the Mozambique players then held on and thought they would seek this prestigious victory to perfectly launch their CAN . However, in the final moments of added time, Egypt benefited from a penalty following contact from Macandza on Mostafa Mohamed. Sometimes failing mentally during the exercise, the 31-year-old striker did not tremble and allowed his country to snatch a draw using the post (2-2, 90+6th). The most successful nation in the history of the tournament will have to show much more in the next matches to hold its place and get its ticket to the round of 16. First elements of response this Thursday against Ghana (9 p.m.).