Egypt 2-0 DR Congo
Hosts Egypt are through to the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-0 win over DR Congo, which is their second in two group matches.
Star forward Mohamed Salah played a part in both of the Pharaohs’ goals. He set up Ahmed El Mohamady’s opener in front inside the half-hour mark before scoring the second himself to get himself off the mark in the competition.
The Leopards were unlucky to hit the bar twice in the first half. But they were always going to find it tough to get a positive result against the Pharaohs, who are living up to their billing as the team to beat in the tournament.
Highlights of the game
The Africa Cup of Nations 2019 betting odds had DR Congo as significant underdogs entering their match against the tournament hosts and favourites. But it was the Leopards who had the early sight on goal in the third minute.
After Egypt were unable to properly clear a hopeful long ball into the penalty area, Tresor Mputu tried his luck with an ambitious volley from just outside the box which was comfortably caught by Mohamed El-Shenawy.
Egypt had their first big chance minutes later after a Salah was sent clear on goal thanks to a great pass over the top of DR Congo’s defence. But centre-back Marcel Tisserand did a tremendous job of recovering and got a vital touch to deflect Salah’s shot just wide.
The Leopards had another glorious chance to take the lead on 10 minutes, and Tisserand was once again prominently involved. The centre-back got on the end of a flicked ball following a corner, but his effort agonisingly struck the bar.
But while DR Congo couldn’t convert their big chance from a corner, Egypt did. After Salah crossed into the box, the ball found its way to their captain, El Mohamady, who coolly stabbed it home.
Salah had a chance to make it two just five minutes later from a free-kick. He got his shot on target, but it was quite comfortably parried away by DR Congo keeper Ley Matampi.
Meanwhile, DR Congo’s bad luck continued as they hit the frame of the goal yet again. Striker Jonathan Bolingi did remarkably well to connect on a backward header. Unfortunately for him and DR Congo, the bar was once again in the way.
And to add insult to injury, the Leopards conceded a second to Egypt, who produced one of the top Africa Cup of Nations 2019 highlights to date, just a couple minutes from half-time.
After a strong run from inside his own half, Trezeguet — who scored the winner against Zimbabwe — delivered an inch-perfect through ball to Salah. The Liverpool star did the rest as he cut inside to his magical left foot and smashed the ball into the corner. Game over.
DR Congo continued to get forward in the second half, but their chances weren’t quite as good as the ones they were unable to take in the first.
The Leopards had one last chance to grab a goal through a Yannick Bolasie free-kick. It just wasn’t to be for DR Congo, though, as the shot went inches wide.
Key statistics
DR Congo certainly had their chances against Egypt. The Leopards outshot the hosts, 19-9. Although, both teams ended up with the same number of shots on target with three, two of which resulted in goals for the Pharaohs.
Salah was responsible for five of Egypt’s nine shots and had two of their three shots on target. Through two games, Salah already has 12 shots, with half of them on target.
What’s next?
Egypt have already secured qualification to the knockout stage, but they still haven’t sealed top spot in Group A. That will be up for grabs in their final group game against Uganda, who are in second with four points after their 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe.
A draw would be enough to see the hosts through as group winners and would match them up against a third-placed team from Group C/D/E. But their SBOBET odds of coming away with more than a point in that match should be quite favourable.
As for DR Congo, they will finish the group stage against Zimbabwe. The Leopards still have a chance to qualify as a third-placed team despite not having a single point through two games.
However, they will need to beat Zimbabwe and by a significant amount to improve their goal difference, which is currently -4.
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