CAIRO, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Hosts Egypt kicked off their Total U-23 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 1-0 victory over Mali here on Friday in Group A opener.
CAF President Ahmad Ahmad and Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhy officially opened on Friday the third edition of the Total U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2019 at the Cairo International Stadium.
Striker Mostafa Mohamed scored the game's single goal after 29 minutes to give The Olympic Pharaohs their first victory on their way to achieve their dream of a place in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
Supported by some 25,000 fans, the hosts were dealt an early blow when midfielder Nasser Maher was forced to limp off with shoulder injury.
After several attempts, the Egyptians scored after 29 minutes when Mohamed headed Ahmed Aboul Fetouh crossed from the left side to give The Olympic Pharaohs a deserved lead.
In the second half, Mali came back stronger as they fought for the equalizer.
Five minutes into the second half, Egypt's goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhy saved Ali Malle's header, before Ibrahima Kone found the rebound but saw his shot hitting the post.
Cameroon takes on Ghana in Group A second game later at the same venue.
