AFCON 2023: Egypt wins in Guinea to qualify for the 26th time

Former Aston Villa striker Mahmoud Trezeguet secured the first place in Group D and qualification for the African Cup of Nations 2023 with a goal and assist in an away victory in Guinea. Led by captain Mohamed Salah, the Pharaohs secured a late 2-1 win which gives them a crucial three points advantage over tonight’s rival. In group D, these two team had same number of points but now, with just one more round remaining (set to be played in September), Egypt will remain as first in the group and will go to Ivory Coast.

But it didn’t start well for the last year’s AFCON finalists as they head the mild advantage on the pitch but, fell behind after a first serous attack by the hosts. Issiaga Sylla broke on the left side, stormed into the penalty area, and played a double pass with Liverpool’s Naby Keita before sending a cross into the goal area where Guirassy was quicker than others and just tapped in for the lead in the 26th minute. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah had the chance of the game a minute later, but somehow managed to miss the entire empty goal from three meters distance! He made up for the miss with an assist in the 42nd minute, allowing Trezeguet to score an equalizer. Trabzonspor striker started the game from the bench, but went in after Marmoush went out due to an injury after only 10 minutes.

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Former Barcelona talent Illaix Moriba had a proper chance when he was left alone in the penalty area, but his shot went over the bar. As the time passed by, Egypt was pushing and Trezeguet played better and better. Eventually, eight minutes from time, he found Mostafa Mohamed, who was basically in the same position as Moriba on the opposite side, but unlike his opponent, Nantes striker scored for a win. Mohamed had a tough time recently, as he was punished by his club after refusing to play with a rainbow jersey, as part of the anti-homophobia campaign in France's Ligue 1, so this goal probably meant a lot to him. In the last round, Egypt will host Ethiopia, while Guinea will play in Malawi.