Egypt coach Rui Vitario blamed five minutes of non-concentration that saw Mozambique score two quick goals and eventually earn a point in their opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 in Cote d’Ivoire.
The seven-time champions took the lead through Mostafa Mohamed inside the opening two minutes to lead 1-0 at the interval before Witi and Cleiso Bauque scored in the 55th and 58th minute for Mozambique. It was Mozambique’s first goal in 14 years in the African finals.
The Pharaohs salvaged a draw following a VAR check three minutes into stoppage time before Mohamed Salah stepped up to convert from the spot.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Vitoria seemed contended with a point because Egypt didn’t lose the game while describing Mozambique as “a quality side”.
“In the second half, we had five minutes of lack of concentration that led us to concede two goals,” said Vitoria.
“Mozambique are a quality team with fast players up front. We have three games. We wanted the best before the game started but was not the worst either when it ended”.
Egypt’s next match is against Ghana on Thursday with Mozambique set to take on Cape Verde.
“We never underestimate any team. All teams in our group are quality teams. We play Ghana next and we know the quality to expect by watching the previous games then we will have Cape Verde. We are taking every team with the seriousness it requires,” added Vitoria.
His Mozambique counterpart Francisco Queriol Conde felt they deserved more.
“It was unfortunate, we are sad with the result. It doesn’t show what we did. Egypt was strong in the first half but after a change in the tactical system, we reacted well and were able to score two quick goals. It’s unfortunate to concede a penalty in the end but these are things that happen in football,” he said.
Mozambique Midfielder Ricardo Guimares was named the man of the match.
“We fought till the end. The VAR decision broke us a little bit. I didn’t see the penalty incident replay yet but for us, this will make us stronger going to the next game. We are together to the end and that’s the image we want to show."
In the second Group B match, Ghana lost 2-1 to Cape Verde to remain without a win in the finals since 2019 in Egypt.
