Egypt, the host of the 2019 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations have survived an injury scare for one of their biggest stars during their opening fixture at the tournament.
The 7-time Champions of Africa took on the Warriors of Zimbabwe as the Cairo stadium on Friday night.
Could there *be* a better opening ceremony? ?#TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/7Y7roiGCrl
— CAF (@CAF_Online) June 21, 2019
While the Egyptians were hopeful of strolling past their opponents, they survived a first-half scare when Ahmed Hegazi of West Bromwich Albion injured his face after an aerial clash with Mushekwi and apparently broke his nose.
The former Premier League midfielder had blood oozing from his nose causing worry for the Egyp coaching staff and their fans. The Pharaohs of Egypt needed all of their most experienced players on the pitch and the medical staff tried their best to fix him up. The former Al Ahly man returned to the pitch after his treatment on the sidelines to the relief of the entire host nation.
Could there *be* a better opening ceremony? ?#TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/7Y7roiGCrl
— CAF (@CAF_Online) June 21, 2019
Egypt put early pressure on Zimbabwe and deservedly got a goal before the break through Trezeguet after some lovely play on the wings. The Egyptians needed to be on their toes as the Zimbabweans stuck in, tackling hard to unsettle the Pharaohs on their own turf. Ahmed Hegazi emerged for the second half with his nose taped and his nose plugged.