Egypt launches the Arab Cup with a difficult victory over Lebanon

The Egyptian national team won its first victory today against its Lebanese counterpart, which is burdened with absences, with a clean goal at Al Thumama Stadium in the Qatari capital, Doha, in the Arab Cup competitions.

Egypt's goal was scored by Al-Ahly player Mohamed Magdy "Afsha" (71 from a penalty kick), to give Egypt three points that put it in second place in Group D, with a goal difference from Algeria.

The Egyptian team imposed complete control of the match, and the first half did not witness any shot from the Lebanese side against the "Pharaohs" goal, and ended in a goalless draw thanks to the brilliance of the Lebanese goalkeeper Mustafa Matar.

However, the pressure forced the Lebanese defender Robert Melki to commit a mistake inside the penalty area, according to which the match referee awarded a penalty kick to the Egyptians, translated by Afsha as a goal (71).

After receiving the goal, the Lebanon coach made three substitutions at once, directed by Muhammad Haidar, Rabie Ataya and Hilal Al-Helweh, and by Fadel Antar, Nader Matar and Walid Shour.

However, this did not change anything in the course of the match and its outcome.

Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shennawy said, "We wasted a lot in the first half. If we had been successful, the result would have been much broader. But we respect the opponent."

As for Lebanon goalkeeper, Mustafa Matar, he said, "We played a quiet match and everything we have. This is our potential and the match was decided by a penalty kick. It was a good match on our part and our physical fitness fell somewhat. We hope to compensate in the upcoming matches."

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