Teixeira Rescues Cape Verde: 2-2 Draw vs Egypt

 Teixeira Rescues Cape Verde: 2-2 Draw vs Egypt

Muhammed Abdulmunim (24) of Egypt in action during the Africa Cup of Nations Group B match between Cape Verde and Egpyt from the bench at Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on January 22, 2024.(Image-Getty)

In a thrilling Africa Cup of Nations encounter on Monday, Cape Verde's Bryan Teixeira scored a dramatic 99th-minute equalizer, securing a 2-2 draw against Egypt in Group B. Despite already confirmed as group winners, Cape Verde took the lead against the run of play with Benchimol's strike at the end of the first half. Egypt responded as Trezeguet netted a neat finish five minutes into the second period. Mostafa Mohamed appeared to secure the win in added time, but Teixeira's late goal ensured both teams advanced to the last-16.

Cape Verde claimed the top spot in Group B with seven points, Egypt secured second place with three points, and Ghana finished third with two points. The group phase concludes on Wednesday, with Ghana awaiting confirmation if they qualify as one of the best third-place finishers.

Egypt played without striker Mohamed Salah, who may miss the rest of the tournament due to a three to four-week sideline with a muscle injury. Cape Verde's lead came with their first shot of the game just before halftime, with Benchimol's low shot from a Kenny Rocha cross.

Despite early pressure in the second half, Egypt found an equalizer through Trezeguet's excellent finish from Ahmed Hegazy's one-two. Mohamed missed a chance to put Egypt ahead but later made amends with a goal in the 93rd minute. Nevertheless, Teixeira's late strike sealed a thrilling 2-2 draw for Cape Verde, marking Egypt's third consecutive such result in the group stage.