Seven-time champions of the Africa Cup of Nations Egypt have secured their first win at the AFCON2021 after a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau.
Mohamed Salah proved to be the hero as his 69th-minute goal saw Egypt put behind them that defeat to Nigeria in the opener.
Guinea-Bissau will feel hard-done after VAR controversially disallowed an excellent Mama Balde late strike that would have earned them a point against the Phaorahs.
Egypt move up to second in Group D on three points, three behind leaders and already qualified Nigeria.
Guinea-Bissau is third on one point, the same as Sudan, which is rooted to the bottom of the group.
In what was the first meeting between them, both nations went into the game in Garoua looking for their first win in the competition.
Egypt lost 1-0 to Nigeria, while Guinea-Bissau was held to a goalless draw by Sudan.
However, after the first 45 minutes, there was nothing to separate the two countries heading into the break.
In the second half, Egypt looked more lively and was rewarded when the main man, Salah, put them ahead with a left-footed effort.
The Pharaohs came almost doubled their advantage in the 74th minute, but Zizo’s shot came off the post before Trezequet headed wide from inside the box two minutes later.
The best chance for the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau came in the 80th minute but Jorginho’s attempt was easily saved by the Egyptian goalkeeper.
Three minutes later, Baldé thought he had earned a share of the spoils when he left fly an excellent right-footed shot into the top right-hand corner.
But the VAR was quick to rule out the goal for a foul, to the utter disappointment of Balde and Guinea-Bissau.
Egypt held on thereafter to pick their first win to put behind them that defeat in the first match.
