Egypt engaged in an exhilarating 2-2 draw against Cape Verde on Monday, clinching their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16.
Securing three points from three draws, the Pharaohs ended as Group B runners-up, trailing Cape Verde by four points.
The match was a spectacle, especially during the six minutes of injury time. Mostafa Mohamed of Nantes FC scored in the closing moments, putting Egypt ahead 2-1.
However, Bryan Teixeira equalized just before the final whistle, leading to both teams sharing the spoils in an enthralling game.
Despite Egypt’s strong start, crucial for keeping their competition hopes alive, they struggled to score. Mostafa Mohamed missed two golden opportunities, with a header from close range and a follow-up shot both off target.
Egypt faced a setback just before halftime when Gilson Tavares seized on a defensive error to score for the opponent.
In the second half, Trabzonspor winger Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan entered the game from the bench and swiftly leveled the score just five minutes after his introduction
Transforming from scorer to provider, Trezeguet orchestrated a lob in injury time, beating the Cape Verde keeper and setting up Mostafa Mohamed. Unfortunately, Teixeira’s late goal nullified Egypt’s lead, resulting in a draw.
Looking ahead to the round of 16, the Pharaohs are set to meet the runners-up of Group F on Sunday, with contenders including Morocco, DR Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia.
