Despite the less-than-satisfactory start for the Egyptian national team in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, securing only a draw against Mozambique, history suggests that stumbling beginnings might give rise to triumphs and jubilant conclusions.
The Egyptian team holds various scenarios in the series of “Stumbling Starts Lead to Achievements” throughout its historical journey in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The first loss faced by the Egyptian team at the inception of their Africa Cup of Nations campaign occurred in their own stadium, amidst the support of 100,000 fans, in the 1986 edition against Senegal, resulting in a stunning 1-0 defeat.
However, Egypt managed to reach the final in the 1986 edition, facing Cameroon and ultimately securing the title through a penalty shootout, overcoming all obstacles and challenges in their path.
The 2017 edition witnessed the Egyptian national team starting their journey in Gabon with a goalless draw against Mali.
Despite this, under the management of the Argentine Héctor Cúper, Egypt reached the final and claimed the runner-up position against Cameroon.
In the last edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 in Cameroon, the Pharaohs suffered an initial setback with a 1-0 loss to the Nigerian Super Eagles.
Nevertheless, Egypt gradually regained its balance, ultimately reaching the final and securing the runner-up position against Senegal.
