AFCON 2021: Salah On Target As Egypt Beats Guinea-Bissau
Egypt secured a 1-0 victory against Guinea-Bissau courtesy of a goal by talisman and captain Mohamed Salah, reviving their chances of a last 16 place in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), tagged Cameroon 2021.
Egypt came into the match on the back of a poor performance against Nigeria and needed a win to rekindle their hopes of progressing. The Pharaohs started brightly with Salah crashing the outside of the Guinea-Bissau post inside two minutes.
Guinea-Bissau managed to hold off Egypt as the scores remained 0-0 as the referee blew the halftime whistle.
The Pharaohs were forced to work hard as Guinea-Bissau were determined to frustrate the record AFCON champions in Garoua.
In the second half, Egypt dominated possession as they looked to find a way through the resilient Guinea-Bissau defence.
However, Liverpool forward Salah found a way through when he volleyed past goalkeeper Mendes with his left foot from Amro El Soulia’s clever pass over the top in the 69th minute to give Egypt the lead.
Egypt survived a late scare as Guinea-Bissau had a late goal disallowed following on field video assistant referee review. Mama Balde fired past the impressive El Shenawy having earlier impeded Omar Abdelwahed in the build up.
Guinea-Bissau had chances of their own through Moro Cassama, Jorge Fernando and Fali Cande but they failed to beat El Shenawy, who helped Egypt to their first victory of the tournament.
The victory secures Egypt’s first points of the tournament as they moved to second in Group D, three points behind Nigeria who earlier booked their knockout stage place with a convincing 3-1 over Sudan.
“We have a new coach and new generation. After the defeat against Nigeria we had to rearrange ourselves,” Man of the Match Salah said after the game.
“We will fight in this tough competition and believe in our chances and where we can go.”
