Mohamed Salah rescued Egypt by scoring a last-gasp equaliser in their opening AFCON game against Mozambique on Sunday.
Egypt headed into the tournament as one of the favourites with the Liverpool forward and Premier League top scorer leading the line, but they survived a major scare in their opening group game against the world ranked No.111.
The Pharaohs took the lead just two minutes in when Mostafa Mohamed mopped up Salah’s poor control in the penalty area to fire home and set Egypt on their way.
However, two goals in three second-half minutes from Mozambique saw them take the lead against the run of the play – seeing those two goals their only two efforts on target in the whole game.
But inevitably, Salah stepped up to save the day as he netted a 97th minute equaliser from the penalty spot – simultaneously ending his wretched run from 12 yards and saving a point.
Salah’s effort struck the inside of the post before tantalisingly rolling across the line and nestling just inside the other post, to the relief of the Liverpool star and millions watching at home.
But not everyone was happy to see Salah save the day for his country, Liverpool fans reacted to the bitter-sweet moment for them as they watched their star find the net, but also saw Egypt avoid defeat – possibly seeing Salah away from Anfield for longer.
One comment on social media said: “I need Mo Salah out of AFCON as soon as possible,” a second said: “Salah should just come home.” While a third added: “There was me thinking Salah wanted to come back early.”
Salah’s goal means he’s now become the first Egyptian to score in four consecutive AFCON tournaments, and he’ll have his next chance to get on the scoresheet against Ghana on Thursday as the two group favourites meet, before Egypt finish the group stage against Cape Verde next Monday.
