EN: The third and final matchday of Group B in the Africa Cup of Nations was filled with drama. Without Salah, Rui Vitória’s Egypt faced a already-qualified Cape Verde and managed to stage a comeback in the 93rd minute. Just when they were celebrating the victory, Bryan Teixeira equalized in the 99th minute. In the other group match, the Mambas were trailing 2-0 at the 90th minute, but Geny Catamo (90+1), from a penalty, and Reinildo (90+4) secured a share of points.
It’s hard to find words to describe the emotions experienced in Abidjan. The Blue Sharks had already secured a spot in the Round of 16 before facing the favored Pharaohs, who were without the injured Mohamed Salah, and needed a win to ensure qualification.
The Cape Verdeans entered confidently, aiming to maintain a 100% winning record against a team that had two draws. Egypt started better, with Mohamed Iatched heading over after a Zizo cross. After a shaky start, the Sharks relied on a formidable Vozinha to prevent long-distance shots from Omar Marmoush and Mohamed.
The goalkeeper’s efforts paid off at halftime when Benchimol from Benfica B found enough space in the area to escape defenders and score to open the scoring.
The break benefited the Egyptians and Rui Vitória, who made the right substitutions: shortly after coming on, Trézéguet found himself isolated after a Hegazi pass and placed the ball through Vozinha’s legs for the equalizer.
The seven-time tournament champions sought victory, as the result of the other group match placed them in third place. Trézéguet came close to scoring again, but this time Vozinha had the upper hand. In injury time, when the Pharaohs no longer believed, Mohamed received Trézéguet’s chest pass and executed a perfect chip over the goalkeeper to complete the turnaround and unleash celebrations in the stands, momentarily delayed due to a VAR review.
However, the celebrations were short-lived as Bryan Teixeira was quicker to reach a rebound from El Shenawy’s butterfingers and restored the equality that ended the game. The Egyptians’ audible sigh of relief in the stadium was noticeable when they realized they had qualified in second place, thanks to Ghana’s draw with Mozambique.
Ghana squandered a two-goal lead in injury time due to a remarkable comeback by the Mambas, leaving the Black Stars with a calculator in hand, hoping to advance as one of the best third-placed teams with only two points.
The Ghanaians took to the field knowing they needed a win to avoid two consecutive exits from the competition in the group stage. Chris Hughton’s men stepped on the gas, and in the first minute, Urrubal was put to the test. In the 15th minute, Paintsil fell in the area after a touch from Mexer, resulting in a controversial penalty, but converted by Jordan Ayew.
At the start of the second half, Bruno Langa came close to equalizing, and just when it seemed that the Mozambicans were more confident and closer to the equalizer, another penalty was awarded for Reinildo’s handball on a Kudus shot. The same Ayew brother took responsibility and extended the lead.
It seemed somewhat unfair for the Mambas’ campaign after a 12-year absence from the tournament, but they still managed to celebrate in injury time, with Geny Catamo from Sporting converting another penalty for a handball by André Ayew.
And when everything seemed over, Reinildo appeared in the penalty area, leaping over defenders and heading for the equalizer, earning a well-deserved point for the Mozambicans while spoiling the Ghanaians’ celebration.
