Egypt have all but sealed their place in the 2017 AFCON with a 1-0 win over fellow African giants Nigeria, thanks to a deflected goal from 18 years old winger Ramadan Sobhy.
The Super Eagles will miss the Africa Cup of Nations tournament for the second time in a row after losing 1-0 in Alexandria.
Going into the game, Nigeria and the Pharaohs knew that anything other than a loss would effectively secure their place in next year’s AFCON, barring a shock result from Tanzania.
The home side enjoyed a strong start, thanks to the speed of Mohamed Salah in his runs behind the Nigerian backline, and early on his corner found towering defender Ahmed Hegazy, however his header went just wide of the near post.
Soon after, stand in captain Abdallah El-Said almost opened the scoring after his effort went just wide of the post after he was played in by Ramadan Sobhy.
Although Nigeria had slightly more possession, Egypt continued to create the best chances, and the deadlock was almost broken late in the first half through the unlikely source of Ibrahim Salah as his curled shot was parried away by goalkeeper Akpeyi.
Akpeyi came to the rescue again moments later as Rabia’s header almost deceived him, however he reacted well to keep it out.
In the opening moments of the second half, Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny found the ball at his feet on the edge of the box, in a similar position to where he scored from against Barcelona, however this time it went over the bar.
Although it was Nigeria who had the onus to win the game, they played a more and more defensive line over the course of the second half, and eventually Egypt’s pressure would pay after Ramadan Sobhy’s deflected effort got the better of Akpeyi, making it 1-0 to the Pharaohs.
The Nigerians thought they had equalised in the 85th minute but Victor Moses saw his effort hit the cross bar.
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
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
Click play to watch Highlight of the match below
