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Egypt's forward Mohamed Salah (R) celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) soccer game at the Cairo International Stadium, June 26, 2019. /VCG Photo
Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah scored his first goal of the Africa Cup of Nations as hosts Egypt secured a place in the last 16 on Wednesday with a 2-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ahmed Elmohamady broke the deadlock in the 25th minute, turning the ball in following a corner, before Salah netted a clinically-taken goal two minutes before halftime.
Congo dominated the second half and were again unlucky not to score their first goal of the tournament.
Mabi Tresor Mputu (in white) of DR Congo in front of Tarek Hamed (R) of Egypt during the 2019 African Cup of Nations game in Cairo, Egypt, June 26,2019. /VCG Photo
Jonathan Bolingi had a header brilliantly saved by Mohamed El Shenawy and Yannick Bolasie sent a free kick centimeters wide of the post.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t score but we hit the bar twice and had other chances,” said Democratic Republic of Congo coach Florent Ibenge. “I feel bad for the players.”
Record seven-time champions Egypt, with six points from two games, guaranteed a top-two finish in Group A while Congo, who have no points, must beat Zimbabwe in their final match to have any chance of going through as one of the best third-placed teams.
(With input from AFP and Reuters)