Super Eagles Kiss Goodbye To 2017 AFCON, Lose To Solitary Sobhi Goal

Egypt are on the brink of qualifying for the 2017 African Cup of Nations after defeating Nigeria 1-0 at the Borg El Arab Stadium on Tuesday night.

A 65th minute strike from Radwan Sobhi saw the Pharaohs pip Super Eagles 1-0 in the city of Alexandria.

Nigeria enjoyed the early possession as both teams tried to settle down at the jam-packed arena.

In the 5th minute, the dangerous Hegazy headed towards Nigeria goal off a free kick. It was a promising move for the home team. Egypt skipper Al-Said fired a left blinder that went close.

Turkish- based forward Aminu Umar then tried his luck from close range but his effort was well gathered by the goalkeeper.

It was Odion Ighalo’s turn to torment the homers when he controlled a long ball inside the box and fired, but it was wide off the target in the 15th minute.

The tempo of the game gradually slowed down until Said released a cross which Salah failed to connect.

With five minutes left in the first half, Chippa United and Super Eagles goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi produced a brilliant save to deny the hosts the curtain raiser.

The former Heartland and Warri Wolves gloves man turned away a shot by Ibrahim Salah for a corner and moments later the goalie again saved an Al-Said effort. The first half ended 0-0 in Alexandria.

Samson Siasia had enough of Stanley Amuzie’s average performance and hauled him off with Elderson Echiejile taking his place in the 46th minute.

Nigeria held their own, but they needed to do more because they wanted the victory more than the Egyptians.

Ten minutes into the second half, it took a last-ditch challenge from Efe Ambrose to stop the home side from scoring.

On the hour mark, the alert Akpeyi stood firm to save Al-Said’s screamer.

The noisy home fans found their voice when their darling team went in front in the 65th minute of the encounter.

Radwan Sobhi rifled home the only goal of the match, it was his first goal for his country. The visitors knew they had to up the ante in a bid to salvage their qualification campaign.

Salah crossed to the path of Al-Said who failed to apply the finishing touch to the sweet team move.

Eight minutes to the end of the match, Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi found his way to the box but he somehow failed to score.

The Nigerians thought they had equalised in the 85th minute but Victor Moses saw his effort hit the cross bar.

The skillful Iwobi set-up the ineffective Ighalo who was crowded out by the defenders.

There was no way back for the Super Eagles as the hosts held on to an important 1-0 win at home.

The Pharaohs now have seven points from three games, followed by Nigeria with two points and Tanzania with one point.

With the setback in Alexandria, Nigeria kissed goodbye to the biennial tournament for the second time in a row.

Egypt Starters Vs Super Eagles: El Shenawy, Rabea, Ahmed Hegazy, Tolba, Elneny, Ibrahim Salah, Saed, Sobhny, Mohamed Salah, Marwan Mohsen

Coach: Hector Cuper

Super Eagles Starters Vs Egypt: Daniel Akpeyi, Shehu Abdullahi, Stanley Amuzie, Godfrey Oboabona, Efe Ambrose, John Obi Mikel (c), Aminu Umar, Oghenekaro Etebo, Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses, Odion Ighalo

Reserves: Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Elderson Uwa Echiejille, Azubuike Okechukwu, Ogenyi Onazi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi

Coach: Samson Siasia

Ademetan Abayomi