Cape Verde and Egypt are both heading to the Round of 16 after a thrilling 2-2 draw.
In a gripping match, Egypt and Cape Verde concluded their final group stage encounter with a 2-2 draw, securing both teams a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16.
The high-stakes game witnessed the last two goals during added time. In the 90+8th minute, Semedo’s precise delivery to Texeira shattered Egypt’s hopes, clinically securing a goal. In the 93rd minute, Abdellah skillfully chipped the keeper, initially undergoing a VAR check but confirmed, reigniting hope for Egypt’s qualification.
The electric Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan hosted this intense battle, with both teams striving for knockout stage qualification.
Cape Verde took a crucial 1-0 lead before half-time as Benchimol netted a spectacular goal in the 45th minute. Trezeguet leveled the score for Egypt in the 48th minute, intensifying the game as both teams pushed for a decisive goal.
A tense moment occurred in the 68th minute when Marmoush’s shot struck a Cape Verde player’s head, leading to a brief delay for medical attention.
In what seemed like a 93rd-minute winner for Egypt, the Blue Sharks responded with determination, equalizing in the 99th minute, courtesy of Semedo.
Despite Ghana facing a similar fate against Mozambique, Egypt secures advancement to the Round of 16, finishing second in the group standings with 3 points.