Egypt hold on to draw with Mali

The support in the ground was almost fully behind the West Africans, but if they dominated periods of the game, they rarely tested either of the Egyptian goalkeepers that took the field.

The game provided a fascinating contrast in styles, with Egypt’s more controlled passing game taking on the flair and power of the Eagles.

The Pharaohs moved the ball beautifully in the fifth minute, Mohamed Eleny prompting from midfield, before Marwan Mohsen produced a superb turn in the area, and toe-poked the ball against the onrushing Oumar Sissoko in the Mali goal.

Just a minute later, Mali’s giant striker Moussa Marega rumbled past Aly Gabr, into the area, eventually tumbling to the floor. South African referee Daniel Bennett was not interested in Marega’s penalty pleas.

There was a slight surprise before kick off when Ahmed Shehawy was named in goal for Egypt, with veteran Essam El Hadary initially missing out on becoming the oldest player to play at an Africa Cup of Nations.

But just 25 minutes in, El Hadary, who celebrated his 44th birthday on Sunday, got his chance, as Shehawy limped off. The veteran has now participated in an amazing seven Africa Cup of Nations finals.

A minute after that, Mohamed Salah produced a superb piece of control and laid the ball off for Elneny, who curled just over.

At the other end, a Sambou Yatabare corner was headed over by a towering Molla Wague.

Three minutes before the break, with Mali increasingly dominant, Lassana Coulibaly couldn’t quite get on the end of Bakary Sako’s cross.

Egypt came close in the 54th minute, Marwan Mohsen’s diving header brilliantly kept out by Sissoko.

Salah was booked in the 67th minute for a dangerous tackle on Mali captain Yacouba Sylla, before being subbed three minutes later for 19 year-old Ramadhan Sobhi.

With nine minutes left El Hadary had to be at his best to deny Marega, running onto a pass from substitute Yves Bissouma. In the end, both sides had to settle for a point that puts them under some pressure heading into Saturday’s fixtures. Egypt will play Uganda while Mali take on Ghana.