The newly crowned African Champions – Senegal were defeated 1-0 by Egypt, the team they defeated in the Africa Cup of Nations, Afcon 2021 final last month.

Egypt overcame Senegal 1-0 in the first leg of the 2022 Fifa World Cup playoff match in Cairo on Friday, with Saliou Ciss’ own goal proving to be the difference.

Mohamed Salah’s close-range strike rebounded against the crossbar and bounced in across the line off the unlucky full-back as he raced back, and Ciss’s goal clinched the match in Egypt’s favour in the fourth minute, without him knowing little about it.

????-????! ⏰

?? Egypt 1-0 Senegal ??

A hard-fought victory for the home side who will travel to Dakar with a one-goal advantage. #WorldCup | #WCQ pic.twitter.com/oKwwwENmQY

— CAF (@CAF_Online) March 25, 2022

Despite the win, Egypt’s performance in front of their home fans was utilitarian and conservative, with the goal of preserving their advantage and neutralising Senegal.

When the Lions were faced with the Pharaohs’ constant interruption of their game rhythm, they battled to recover their early loss and were unable to boost the tempo.

Egypt take an early 1-0 lead through a Senegal own goal pic.twitter.com/gIQMDw5kJb

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 25, 2022

The greatest constant threat to Egypt’s lead was Sadio Mane, who was named Player of the Tournament in the Nations Cup.

While his repeated sorties down the left side troubled the hosts’ backline, Senegal needed both the sharp edge and the finishing touch to tie the game but had none.

???? ???? ????? ?????? ????? ? ??????? ?? ??? ???!