SAT, JUNE 22 2019-theG&BJournal-Striker Mahmoud Hassan Trezegeut scored a 42nd minute scorcher in their opening Group A encounter against Zimbabwe yesterday to give Egypt, the host nation a winning start to their African Cup of Nations 2019 campaign.
The over eighty thousand vociferous fans at the Cairo International Stadium would have been looking to Mohamed Salah, the 70 million pound rated Liverpool and Egypt striker for inspiration but instead it came from the 24 year old Trezeguet who scored the only goal of the game in sweltering Cairo heat.
Egypt dominated play in the first half with fast, smooth and free-flowing passing. Egyptian midfielder Abdallah El-Said played a swift pass to Mo Salah in the 16th minute of play that could have opened the tournament’s goal rush but the Salah blasted wide.
Zimbabweans had come into the game billed as outsiders and there had been reports of pay dispute and threat to boycott the match. But that didn’t reflect in their play as star player Khama Biliat showed flashes of brilliance that equally troubled the Egyptian defence.
Both teams have met four times previously, with the Pharaohs winning all previous contests, including their only clash in AFCoN history at the 2004 tournament.
Sallah, Abdallah El-Said and Marwan Mohsen all forced fantastic saves from the lively Zimbabwean goal stopper, Edmore Sibanda during the pulsating first half. Sibanda was later stretched off before the of the half injured.
Arsenal midfielder, Mohamed Elneny controlled the midfield firmly and ensured the dominance of the Egyptians throughout the 90 minute encounter.
But Zimbabwe almost shocked the host from a set piece in the 36th minute, after winger Hedebe played a fast ball through to Kaiser Chief’s (South Africa) play-maker Biliat. Keeper El-Shennawy was quick to spot the run and blocked for a corner.
Egypt held 60 percent ball possession with 16 shots at goal while Zimbabwe managed 11 shots on target.
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