In a thrilling start to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Sunday, Egypt fought their way back to secure a 2-2 draw against Mozambique. The match saw Mostafa Mohamed give Egypt an early lead, only for Mozambique to respond with two goals, taking control of the game. It was only a late penalty, skillfully converted by Mohamed Salah, that allowed Egypt to level the playing field.
Increasing Criticism of Egypt’s Performance
Despite the draw, Egypt’s performance received widespread criticism. Leading the critics was former Egyptian player, Gomaa, who expressed significant dissatisfaction with the team’s display in a post-match interview on beIN Sports. He particularly focused on the team’s defensive shortcomings, highlighting their failure to provide defensive support and the lack of midfield reaction from coach Rui Vitoria.
Defensive Failings Under Scrutiny
Center-backs Ahmed Hegazi and Mohamed Abdelmonem were specifically called out by Gomaa for their lackluster defense during the match. Gomaa warned that these defensive lapses could have more serious consequences against tougher opponents in the tournament. He further criticized the team’s overall performance against Mozambique, considering them the weakest team in the group.
Pressure Grows for Egypt
As one of the favorites in the tournament, Egypt faces immense pressure. The draw against Mozambique, according to Gomaa, does not bode well for the team’s prospects. He added that failing to reach the semi-finals would be viewed as a significant failure for the national team. Egypt’s next challenge is a Group B match against Ghana, where they will be eager to bounce back from this initial setback.
