The Super Eagles of Nigeria have defeated the Pharaohs of Egypt 1-0 in their group stage encounter at the ongoing 33rd Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday in Garoua, Cameroon.
Super Eagles, who top Group D with the victory, were
dominant and impressive in the game.
With the victory, Nigeria broke Egypt’s unbeaten record. as
the Pharaohs were unbeaten in their last 16 group matches at the AFCON.
Before now, Egypt’s last defeat in the group phase dated
back to the 2004 tournament when they lost 2-1 against Algeria.
Kelechi Iheanacho scored the only goal in the game in the
30th minute with an assist from Taiwo Awoniyi.
The nightmare night for Egypt began with an unfortunate
first half for Al Ahly left back Akram Elhagrasi as he tried to disarm fast-
and endive left-handed sniper Moses Simon (FC Nantes), and had to be replaced
(Mohamed, 11 ) after getting an injury to his lower limbs.
The Super Eagles had already issued the navigation notice
with the intentions demonstrated by Moses. In fact, Moses was played on 26
minutes again in an engaging counter-attacking move, in which he just did not
score because the ball bumped into the side netting of the Egyptian goalkeeper.
It was clear that Nigeria’s left flank was the most
productive and that was where the goal came from, which was eventually scored
by Kelechi Iheanacho in the 30th minute.
The team led by coach Augustine Eguavoen, in addition to
having the game in their control, completely dominated the match, starring in a
real football spectacle that drove the crowd into delirium.
As the game moved to the end of the first half, Iheanacho
again benefited from a superb opportunity to dilate the marker, but would fail
the target. Moses took advantage of the final moments of the first leg to make
a long pass into the area, but with no one to follow up on the finish.
Egypt failed to shift out of first gear and could not get
talisman forward Mohamed Salah into the game as he cut an isolated figure up
front, starved of service and the quality around him to have an influence.
More was expected from Mohamed Salah, who, in addition to
being on the side of the game, was heavily guarded by Nigeria’s defensive line.
And it was with the advantage on the scoreboard that Nigeria went at half-time.
At the entrance to the second half, the Super Eagles pulled
back from the gallons. Much more consistent in the defensive and offensive
processes, only lacked even greater objectivity when scoring. There were
several scoring opportunities that remained to be taken advantage of by the
Nigerian side.
Salah’s non-conformism was notorious on both occasions (66
́and 77) that he tried to penetrate the opposite area. Egypt even awakened from
deep sleep at a time when the curtains of the stage closed.
This is the ninth encounter between Nigeria and Egypt at the
Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria hold the upper hand with four wins to Egypt’s
two, although their last encounter before today’s game in 2010 went to the
Pharaohs (3-1 in the group phase).
Nigeria are making their 19th appearance at the tournament.
They have reached the semi-finals in 14 of their last 16 AFCON participation,
winning the tournament on three occasions.
This is Egypt’s 25th appearance at the AFCON, a record in
the history of the tournament.
They have won the tournament seven times, more than any
other side.
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