CARDIFF, July 26: Favourites Brazil survived a scare before beating Egypt 3-2 on the opening day of the men’s football competition on Thursday while hosts Britain had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Senegal.

Uruguay, back in the Games after an 84-year absence, came from behind to beat a lively United Arab Emirates side 2-1 in the earlier game at Old Trafford.

On a day when all 16 teams were in action, there was also a win for Belarus, playing in their first major international tournament, beating New Zealand 1-0 at Coventry.

Brazil got three first-half goals but nearly squandered the lead in the second, escaping with the victory to begin their quest for their first gold in Olympic football.

Goals from Rafael, Leandro Damiao and Neymar had put them 3-0 ahead after only 30 minutes before Egypt rallied in the second-half with goals by Mohamed Aboutrika and Mohamed Salah with 14 minutes to play.

Brazil lead Group ‘C’ along with Belarus, who beat New Zealand with a first-half goal by Dmitry Baga.

Britain, playing in the finals for the first time since Rome 1960 were held to a draw by debutants Senegal at Old Trafford after leading for more than an hour.

Craig Bellamy put them ahead in the 20th minute but Moussa Konate equalised for Senegal eight minutes from time.“The fact that we got our noses in front and didn’t go on to nail the game was a frustration,” said Britain coach Stuart Pearce. “We’ve got another tough game Sunday, the group looks like it might be wide open.”

Earlier in Manchester, medal contenders Uruguay got a goal from substitute Nicolas Lodeiro in the second-half to defeat the UAE.

Results: At Manchester: Group ‘A’ UAE 1    Uruguay 2 Great Britain 1    Senegal 1

At Newcastle: Group ‘B’: Switzerland 1    Gabon 1

At Cardiff: Group ‘C’: Belarus 1    New Zealand 0 Brazil 3    Egypt 2 —AP