AFCON 2021: Iheanacho strikes as Nigeria edge out Egypt with a precious win
Nigeria with a brilliant start to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations after inflicting a vital 1-0 victory over Egypt in a crunchy Group D opener at the Roumdé Adjia Stadium in Douala
Egypt with an early scare at the back after Mahmoud Hamdy gifted Taiwo Awoniyi a ball in the box but was stopped for a wasted corner kick.
Nigeria opened the scoring account on the 30th minute through Kelechi Iheanacho who connected from Aribo’s pass after Sanusi Zaidu had than a great work from the left.
Egypt tried to respond quickly after going down but Mohammed Salah couldn’t reach out to Elneny’s long ball from the middle as Okoye came off his line to collect that one.
It was Nigeria all over with the Egyptians always packed in their half as the game ended goalless after half time
In the second half, the Super Eagles came really strong in search for their second but Taiwo Awoniyi’s header from Aina’s cross went off the upright after a tip from Mohammed El Shenawy.
Nigeria probed again in attack but the initiator Awoniyi was repelled, Iheanacho also had a strong touch with the follow up and made the situation a wasted one.
Sayed Zizo controlled a great pass, beats Sanusi but his ground cross was cut out by skipper William Troost Ekong. The resulting corner kick went wide over everyone.
The Pharoahs with a huge opportunity to get back on level on the 66th minute after Zizo again did an awesome work on the right to launch a decent one but Mohammed Salah’s volley was blocked by Ola Aina.
Mohammed Salah came so close to getting the equaliser on the 70th minute after receiving a great pass from Zizo but his effort was stopped by Maduka Okoye.
It was an end to end action in the last ten minutes but the Nigerians were always ahead as they continue to squander chances in front of goal.
Nigeria nearly doubled their lead on the stroke of full time but Chidera Ejuke had his effort saved them hugely by El Shenawy.
It finished 1-0 for the Super Eagles after full time.