Egypt secures spot in Africa Cup of Nations with Salah's assist

Egypt has secured their place in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals with a 2-1 victory over Guinea. Liverpool star Mohamed Salah played a crucial role, providing the assist for Egypt’s equalizing goal. The match took place in Marrakech, Morocco.

Guinea took the lead in the 26th minute with a goal from Serhou Guirassy. However, Egypt responded just before halftime when substitute Mahmoud Trezeguet, who previously played for Aston Villa, found the back of the net off a pass from Salah.

Trezeguet continued to make an impact in the game and turned provider in the 79th minute, delivering a cross that was expertly finished by Mostafa Mohamed, giving Egypt the winning goal. However, the match wasn’t without drama, as Trezeguet sustained an injury and refused to be stretchered off the pitch, instead opting to limp off. He received a yellow card for his actions.

Salah showcased his exceptional skills throughout the match, contributing to Egypt’s victory. With this win, Egypt joins the Ivory Coast, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia as the teams who have secured their spots in the Africa Cup of Nations, which will begin on January 13.

Among the eight qualified countries, only Burkina Faso has yet to win the prestigious tournament, which represents African national team supremacy.

This victory marks Egypt’s third consecutive win in the group stage after their surprising 2-0 loss to Ethiopia in June last year, which led to the dismissal of coach Ehab Galal.

Guinea’s defeat puts their qualification hopes in jeopardy, as the battle for the second qualifying spot in the group now rests between Guinea and Malawi. Malawi will face Ethiopia on Tuesday and Guinea in the final round in September. If Malawi wins both matches, they will finish level with Guinea on nine points, and the runners-up position will be determined by head-to-head records.

In another thrilling match, Gambia, who impressed as debutants in the previous Cup of Nations by reaching the quarter-finals, narrowly defeated South Sudan 3-2 in Group G. Hamza Barry, playing for Denmark-based Gambia, scored the winning goal six minutes into added time after South Sudan equalized twice.

Earlier in Group A, Guinea-Bissau struggled to secure a 1-0 victory over Sao Tome e Principe through a 55th-minute goal from Zinho Gano. This win propelled Guinea-Bissau to first place in the group, surpassing Nigeria. The match was held in Bissau as Sao Tome lacks an international-standard stadium.

With Nigeria set to face Sierra Leone on Sunday, a draw will be enough for both Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau to secure their qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations.