Salah stars as Egypt beats Tanzania

Mohamed Salah scored a goal and created two assists to help Egypt to a victorious start of their 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The talented winger who ended a remarkable loan stint with Italian outfit, Fiorentina produced a ‘Man of the Match’ performance to guide the Pharaohs to a much needed win over the visiting Taifa Stars of Tanzania at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria.

Salah lived up to expectations of his loving fans as Egypt had their first official game under Argentine coach, Hector Cuper. After missing out on the last three editions of the continental showpiece event, the Pharaohs made a winning start as they seek a place at Gabon 2017 after a seven-year absence.

The first half was a story of missed chances for the home side. Italy-based defender Ahmed Hegazy found the net but his effort was dismissed for being in an offside position. A total new line-up from Cuper saw Wadi Degla striker Mohamed “Dodo” ElGabbas wearing the Pharaohs captain armband for the very first time.

Egypt found the net again through striker Ahmed Hassan Mekki but again he was ruled off for a foul on Tanzania’s goalkeeper Deogratius Munishi. The visitors first effort on goal came after 40 minutes through Amri Kiemba’s shot that missed the target narrowly. Munishi was there again to deny Salah as the first half ended in a barren draw.

The second half was a different story as the Pharaohs attacked in numbers searching for the opener. It didn’t come till the hour mark, when Portugal based defender Ramy Rabiaa jumped soared above his markers to head Salah’s cross to break the deadlock.

Barely four minutes passed before substitute Bassem Morsy doubled the lead. The tall forward received another cross from the in-form Salah to score the second for the hosts.

Salah turned from provider to scorer three minutes later when he swapped the ball with Mohamed El Nenny to send the ball over Munishi scoring Egypt’s third on 68 minutes.

The victory put Egypt on top of Group G on goal difference over Nigeria, who defeated Chad 2-0 earlier on Saturday. The Pharaohs will visit Chad next September while Tanzania entertains Nigeria. Top side of each group in addition to the two best runner ups qualify for the Gabon 2017 finals.