Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are back on track at the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations after beating hosts, Egypt 1-0, in their second group game on Wednesday, February 22,2023 at the Cairo International Stadium.
After kicking off their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Mozambique, the Egyptian National Team complicated their job with the narrow defeat against Nigeria.
The Egyptians had a lively start to the game, with Rafaat Khalil causing all sort of troubles to the Nigerian defence in the first half.
Al Ahly’s winger came close to breaking the deadlock after 14 minutes, however, his effort went well over.
Khalil threatened the Nigerians again in the 32nd minute with another effort which inched the right post, as the first-half ended with no goals
In the 63rd minute, Bilal Mazhar missed Egypt’s best chance of the game when he failed to convert a one-on-one with the Nigerian goalkeeper who denied Panathinaikous’ striker from close range.
Seven minutes later, Nigeria’s Solomon Agbalaka skied over Egypt’s defence to fire the Flying Eagles in front with a towering header.
Despite pushing for an equalizer in the remaining minutes, the Egyptians failed to find the net for the second successive game.
Egypt will meet Senegal, who secured their qualification to the knockout stages after beating Mozambique 3-0, on Saturday.
Egypt have no option but beating Senegal in order to keep their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals .
By Brian Mboh