Egypt's bid to win a fourth consecutive African Cup of Nations got off to a faltering start Sunday when it was held to a 1-1 draw at home by Sierra Leone in its opening qualifier for the 2012 tournament.
Forward Moustapha Bangura put Sierra Leone ahead in the 57th minute, finding space amid three Egypt defenders to hit a left-footed strike from the top the area past goalkeeper Essam El Hadary.
Egypt equalized four minutes later when Mahmoud Fathallah headed in a curling cross from fellow defender Sayed Moawad.
''I'm very happy with the goal and a draw on the road is very positive for Sierra Leone,'' Bangura said.
Egypt, which has won a record seven African Cup titles, failed to capitalize on a number of first-half scoring opportunities. Midfielder Mohamed Aboutrika converted a free kick in the 20th minute that the Sierra Leone 'keeper pushed wide, while a second Aboutrika shot forced another solid save three minutes later.
The result leaves Egypt and Sierra Leone with one point each in Group G. South Africa tops the group with three points after beating Niger 2-0 in their opening match.
