Afsha penalty gives Egypt narrow win over resolute Lebanon

Egypt registered a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Lebanon in their opening Group D match of the FIFA Arab Cup Wednesday.At the Al Thumama Stadium, a powerful penalty shot by Mohammed Afsha was enough to beat a resolute Lebanon defence led by goalkeeper Mostafa Matar in an encounter which was witnessed by vociferous fans of both sides.Carlos Queiroz’s side was playing without Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny, Galatasaray’s Mustafa Mohamed, Stuttgart’s Omar Marmoush, and Altay’s Ahmed Yasser Rayan and it was reflected in their rusty performance.Lebanon defence was up to the mark during most part of the match, but lack of aggression and a costly foul late in the second-half led to their defeat as they conceded a penalty and Egypt seized the opportunity to earn their first points.Defender Ayman Ahsraf’s foul on Egypt’s Ahmed Fatouh in the 73nd minute undid all their efforts. Ahsraf brought down midfielder Fatouh inside the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot and Mohammed Afsha found the net with a low shot to goalkeeper Matar’s right.Egypt controlled the possession for most of the match and their forwards raided the rival’s penalty area regularly, but Matar and his defenders foiled their efforts every time.Egypt continued to dominate the possession but with limited opportunities to move forward, while Lebanon couldntarget="_blank"'>