Nigeria Silence Salah & Egypt In Afcon Opener
12 January, 2022
Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
Three-time Africa Cup of Nations winners Nigeria began their campaign with a 1-0 win over Egypt on Tuesday evening.
The Super Eagles were without Victor Osimhen, Emmanuel Dennis and 2019 Afcon top scorer Odion Ighalo for the tournament.
Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen called on Taiwo Awoniyi, who has registered nine goals in 17 appearanes for Union Berlin in the Bundesliga this season.
Egypt coach Carlos Quieroz was forced into an early change as Akram Tawfik was forced to make way for Mohamed Abdelmonem in the 12th minute after picking up an injury.
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The Super Eagles broke the deadlock on 31 minutes when Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho sent a fine volley into the top corner after Egypt failed to clear their lines. Iheanacho's strike was enough to get the job done on the night, as the Super Eagles did well to frustrate Salah and the rest of Egypt's attackers.
Sudan 0-0 Guinea-Bissau
Sudan and Guinea-Bissau could not be seperated after playing to a goalless draw in their Group D opener on Tuesday night.
Bissau had a glorius chance to snatch late winner from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute, but Pele's tame spot-kick was saved Ali Achrine.
As a result, Bissau find themselves in second spot heading into Saturday's clash against Egypt while Sudan will get ready to do battle with group leaders Nigeria.
Algeria 0-0 Sierra Leone
Defending champions Algeria began their campaign with a goalless draw against debutants Sierra Leone on Tuesday afternoon.
The Afcon holders managed to extend their impressive unbeaten run to 35 matches and are now just two games away from equalling Italy's world record of 37 matches without a loss.
This was also the first time the Foxes failed to score in a game since their 3-0 defeat to Morocco at 2019 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Algeria will now look forward to Sunday's clash against Equatorial Guinea while Sierra Leone do battle against 2015 winners Ivory Coast.
Source: www.soccerladuma.co.za