Mohamed Salah scored from the penalty spot to ensure Egypt avoided defeat in their opening game at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Salah stepped up in added time of the second half to draw the Pharaohs levelled to play out a pulsating 2-2 draw against Mozambique in Group B.

The seven-time AFCON champions enjoyed a bright start to the game after Mostafa Mohamed scored inside two minutes to put them ahead.

However, quickfire second-half goals from Witi and Clesio gave the Mambas hope of sealing their first victory at the continent's flagship tournament.

Their hopes were dashed at the death when Edmilson Macandza caught Mohamed, resulting in a penalty which was converted by the Liverpool star man to salvage a draw for his side.

The Video Assistant Referee intervened to suggest that referee Dahane Beida go to the screen to evaluate the challenge, and Salah maintained his cool to net his spot-kick via the inside of the left-hand upright in the seventh minute of added time.

Egypt will face Ghana in their next game on January 18 while Mozambique will go up against Cape Verde.