Mali frustrated by Egypt in opening game stalemate

Egypt and Mali played out a disappointing goalless draw to kick off their Group D campaigns in front of a lively but occasionally bored crowd.

On a poor pitch that made passing football difficult, Mali dominated a stop-start first half in which the two best chances fell to Lassana Coulibaly from crosses... but he failed to connect on both occasions.

Egypt’s attacking talent, headlined by Mohamed Salah, were kept quiet and fared little better after the break when Salah was perhaps lucky not to see red after he caught Yacouba Sylla with a nasty late challenge.

Marwan Mohsen had the Pharaohs' best chance, seeing his header tipped over the bar, while Ousmane Coulibaly headed over late on for Mali who will feel this was a missed opportunity having dominated throughout.

Both these sides are next in action on Saturday when Mali face Ghana and Egypt play Uganda.

Egypt fail to impress. Egypt may not have qualified since 2010 but they’re still the most successful side in the history of the tournament so expectations are high. They looked ponderous and short of ideas today though as there were comprehensively outplayed. Yes they weren’t helped by conditions and only four of this squad have been to a tournament before, so it may take some time for them to adapt, but this performance won’t have anybody worried.

Hamari Traore (Mali). The left-back was excellent, keeping Mo Salah under control whilst also providing a useful outlet when Mali were in possession. His link-up play was impressive, especially a great through ball for Moussa Marega in the first half, while his work-rate also stood out.

13’ – SAVE! Marega comes out to the left wing and crosses for Lassana Coulibaly. If he gets a touch it's very faint but the ball looks to be going in until El-Shenawi claws it away at the last possible moment.

15’ – HISTORY! El Hadary, 44 two days ago, comes on and becomes the oldest ever player to play at an Africa Cup of Nations.

42’ – CHANCE! For the first time in the match Sako beats the first man with his cross and Lassana Coulibaly is inches away from meeting it six yards from goal.

54’ – CHANCE! Trezeguet finally has some joy on the left and after cutting in crosses for Mohsen whose flicked header is tipped over by Sissoko.

79’ – CHANCE! Salif Coulibaly flicks on a whipped cross at the near post and Ousmane Coulibaly arrives at the back post but gets caught underneath the ball and heads over from inside the six yard box.

Mali: Sissoko 6, O. Coulibaly 6, Wague 7, S. Coulibaly 6, H. Traore 8, Ndiaye 6, L. Coulibaly 6, Sylla 7, S. Yatabare 6, Marega 7, Sako 5. Subs: Bissouma 7, Sow 5.

Egypt: El-Shennawy 7, Abdel-Shafy 6, Gabr 7, Hegazy 6, Fathi 7, Hamed 6, Elneny 5, El-Said 5, Trezeguet 6, Salah 4; Mohsen 6. Subs: EL Hadary 6, Sobhi 5, Hassan 5.