By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-01-23 03:01:21
Mohamed Salah, who was injured, was forced to watch from the stands as Egypt played against Cape Verde in a crazy 2-2 draw at the Africa Cup of Nations, marking their third consecutive stalemate and securing a spot in the last 16 in the tournament. Cape Verde, having already secured first place in Group B, was on course for three wins from three games when Gilson Tavares Benchimol scored just before halftime. However, Egypt’s substitute Mahmoud Trezeguet and Mostafa Mohamed each scored, solidifying Egypt’s spot in the last 16.
Egypt coach Rui Vitoria emphasized the importance of qualifying for the next round and expressed the team’s focus on resting and then preparing for the next phase of the competition. Despite their success in securing a spot in the last 16, the team faces challenges as Mohamed Salah will miss the upcoming game. The Egyptian Football Association announced that Salah would return to Liverpool after the match to continue treatment on a hamstring injury, casting doubts on his return to the squad for the semi-finals.
The chances of Egypt advancing out of their group seemed bleak when Cape Verde took the lead right before halftime. However, a substitution and a goal from Trabzonspor winger Trezeguet brought the team level. Mostafa Mohamed then scored what seemed to be the winning goal, only for Cape Verde to level the score again.
Despite the setbacks and Salah’s absence, Egypt managed to secure a spot in the last 16 and will prepare to face their opponents at San-Pedro on Sunday. With doubts surrounding Salah’s potential return, the team will need to regroup and find the best way forward.
Read the original article on The Guardian
