Late Drama Unfolds: Salah Rescues Egypt, Nigeria Held to Draw, and Cape Verde Stuns Ghana with Stoppage-Time Winner

Egypt 2-2 Mozambique: Salah’s Heroic Penalty Salvages Draw

At the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Mohamed Salah’s 97th-minute penalty spared Egypt from a potential upset against Mozambique. Despite Egypt’s fast start with a goal from Mostafa Mohamed in the opening two minutes, Mozambique fought back with goals from Witi and substitute Clesio. However, Salah’s nerves of steel came to the forefront as his penalty, awarded after a VAR review, hit the post and went in. Egypt, now looking ahead to their clash with Ghana, avoided a surprising loss in their AFCON opener.

Nigeria 1-1 Equatorial Guinea: Osimhen’s Equalizer Not Enough for Dominant Nigeria

In a Group A clash, Victor Osimhen’s first-half equalizer salvaged a draw for Nigeria against Equatorial Guinea in Abidjan. Despite dominating chances, Nigeria found it challenging to break down Equatorial Guinea’s defense, with goalkeeper Jesus Owono making several outstanding saves. Iban Salvador’s surprise opener was quickly nullified by Osimhen’s header. Nigeria’s next crucial encounter is against hosts Ivory Coast, while Equatorial Guinea faces Guinea-Bissau.

Cape Verde Shocks Ghana with Stoppage-Time Winner: Ghana 1-2 Cape Verde

Group B witnessed a major upset as Cape Verde stunned four-time champions Ghana with a 2-1 victory. Garry Rodrigues scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner after Jamiro Monteiro’s early goal for Cape Verde was canceled out by Alexander Djiku’s header for Ghana. Rodrigues took advantage of a defensive mix-up to tap into an empty net in the 92nd minute, sealing Cape Verde’s triumph. The defeat for Ghana sets the stage for an intriguing Group B showdown in the coming matches.

Football fans took to social media platforms to express their astonishment and admiration for the thrilling matches. The hashtag #AFCON2023 trended as netizens shared GIFs of Salah’s crucial penalty, discussed Nigeria’s missed opportunities, and celebrated Cape Verde’s historic win against Ghana. The unpredictable nature of African football showcased in these matches has ignited excitement among fans globally, underscoring the unpredictable and captivating essence of the Africa Cup of Nations.