After a 2-2 draw with Mozambique, the Egyptian national team found themselves in the same situation once again, this time against Ghana. This result could potentially complicate Ghana’s quest for qualification to the next phase of the AFCON. However, the major cause for concern for the Portuguese coach is Salah’s injury.
Ghana’s surprising defeat to Cape Verde meant that securing three points was crucial, but the Black Stars held their breath when Omar Marmoush was brought down in the box, only for referee Pierre Atcho to deny the penalty.
The situation worsened for Egypt in stoppage time of the first half when captain Mohamed Salah exited the field with a muscular injury, making way for Mostafa Fathi. Shortly after, Kudus received a pass 25 meters from the goal, evaded Marmoush, and fired a first-time shot past Mohamed El Shenawy.
With suffocating humidity, the Pharaohs faced a daunting task to turn things around. Rui Vitória’s team even appeared to equalize immediately after halftime when Marmoush’s throw-in was converted by Mohamed Abdelmonem. However, the goal was disallowed for offside.
As the match neared its end, Rui Vitória brought on Trézéguet for Mohamed Elneny. Yet, it was Marmoush, a constant threat throughout the game, who capitalized on an error by Iñaki Williams, evaded Ofori, and scored the equalizer.
The same script unfolded with Kudus, who moments later found space and once again beat El Shenawy. Nevertheless, Egypt, even without its main star, managed to salvage a crucial point, with Trézéguet assisting Mostafa Mohamed.
As a result, Cape Verde continues to lead the group ahead of their match against Mozambique on Friday. Egypt, in second place with two points, faces the group leader next Monday, and Ghana takes on Mozambique on the same day.
