Egypt qualified for the round of 16 on the wire, after their draw against Cape Verde (2-2). The Pharaohs, long third in their group B, finally took over Ghana in the race for second place.
Egypt could not afford to make any mistakes against Cape Verde on the final day of the group stages of the CAN 2023. At the start of the match, Egyptdeprived of its star Mohamed Salah injured, played in 4-3-3. Cape Verdeassured of finishing at the top of his group, also started in the same arrangements, but with seven changes compared to his usual eleven. The Pharaohs tried to impose an intense rhythm at the start of the game with actions of Mohamed (2′) et Marmoush (3′), but their incursions failed to destabilize the Cape Verdean defense.
For his part, Cape Verde played without pressure, demonstrating a certain technical ease like his first thrill (8′), but without managing to make it happen. The Cape Verdean goalkeeper, Voicewas decisive with a double save on attempts toOmar Marmoush and Mustapha Mohamed (20′). Despite possessions on both sides, the first half ended without a goal, until a Cape Verdean movement in the Egyptian area, concluded by Tavares with a pivotal shot (1-0, 45’+1). The only shot on target Cape Verde found the net.
Upon returning from the locker room, Egypt made several changes and brought in Trézéguet. The latter was decisive by scoring a goal on a one-two with Hegazy (1-1, 50′). In the second half of the match, the Pharaohs increased their pressure, seeking to avoid a draw. Their attacks become more incisive, putting the Blue sharks struggling in their own half. Despite numerous Egyptian attempts, none found the net, while the Cape Verde occasionally endangers the Egyptian defense.
Eventually, Mohamed manages to break the deadlock by scoring with a subtle lob (2-1, 93′). However, against all expectations, Cape Verde surprised by equalizing in added time thanks to Teixeira (2-2, 90’+9). Despite this late equalization, the Pharaohs obtain second place in their group and qualify for the round of 16.
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