Mohamed Salah rescues Egypt
Nigeria’s Super Eagles joined Morocco and host Cameroon into the round of 16 at the delayed 2021 Africa Cup of Nations after thrashing Sudan 3-1 in Garoua on Saturday. At the same time, Mohamed Salah rescues egypt with the solitary goal as Egypt beat Guinea Bissau 1-0 to revive their hopes of a last 16 spot.
In the early kick off, Nigeria were in total control as goals from Samuel Chukwueze, Taiwo Awoniyi and Moses Simon completely took off Sudan, who scored a consolation off a penalty converted by Walieldin Khidir.
Having beaten Egypt in their opening match, Nigeria were looking sharp and just needed three minutes to show their intent against the Sudanese Falcons of Jediane.
Chukwueze broke the deadlock with a sidefoot shot inside the box after Simona had laid the ball through to him when the Sudanese defense failed to clear away a long throw from Ola Aina.
Nigeria totally dominated the game and created more chances, but couldn’t convert. They ultimately got their second at the stroke of halftime when Awoniyi scord perhaps the most fortunate goal he ever could.
A freekick from Kelechi Iheanacho came off William Troost Ekong when a Sudanese defender tried to head it away and the ball simply ricocheted on Awoniyi’s forehead to bounce into the net.
Nigeria needed 35 seconds after the restart to add the third goal and it was through the impressive Simon’s work. The winger started off the move in midfield and put up a through ball to Awoniyi.
However, when the lanky forward couldn’t control the ball under pressure, he ran on to it, controlled and slid it under the keeper’s arms.
Sudan scored a consolation from the penalty spot, Khidir sending keeper Okoye Maduka the wrong way after Ola Aina had fouled inside the box, but they couldn’t finish off with a comeback victory.
Egypt players celebrate their win over Guinea Bissau
In the late kick off, Egypt secured a hard laboured 1-0 victory over Guinea Bissau, Salah coming to the rescue of the Pharaohs.
Salah scored the solitary goal with a brilliantly taken volley at the backpost after being put through from Amr El Solia’s cross from the right. Egypt had started the match well with Salah and Ahmed Mohamed seeing their shots come off the bar.
The Egyptians hit the post for the third time in the second half when Ahmed ‘ZIzo’ Mostafa saw his effort come off the woodwork.
Egypt survived a scare when Guinea Bissau scored what they thought was an equalizer through Mama Balde, but the goal was ruled out by the Video Assistant Referee after he was adjudged to have fouled a defender as he sought space to make his shot.
Egypt will now face off with Sudan in their last match which they have to win to earn themselves a place in the last 16.
Nigeria meanwhile face off with Guinea Bissau and a victory in this match will see them finish off as Group A leaders.
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