Nigeria, Egypt and Ghana miss their entry into the competition… What to remember from Sunday’s matches

After Nigeria’s draw against Equatorial Guinea, and Egypt’s draw against Mozambique, Cape Verde created a sensation on Sunday by winning at the wire against Ghana.

The second day of the African Cup of Nations, Sunday January 14, did not offer the favorites results that matched their ambitions. Following the success in the opening match of the Ivorian host (2-0) against Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Egypt and Ghana failed to win. Here is what you should remember from the day in Ivory Coast.

Nigeria-Equatorial Guinea: Osimhen stalls against a great Owono

For its entry into the running, Nigeria was held in check by Equatorial Guinea (1-1) at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic stadium in Abidjan. A surprising result given the ultra-domination of Victor Osimhen’s teammates, who repeatedly came up against the heroic Jesus Owono, the Equatoguinean goalkeeper.

Juan Micha’s men even managed to open the score against the run of play, with a powerful strike from the penalty spot by Iban Salvador (36th), before Osimhen equalized from the kick-off of a header after a good cross from Ademola Lookman (38th). A point from the draw which gives the Equato-Guineans hopes of a place in the eighth.

Egypt-Mozambique: Salah as savior of the draw

Egypt, listed among the favorites of the competition, also settled for a 2-2 draw against Mozambique at the stadium Félix Houphouët-Boigny from Abidjan, thanks to a saving penalty from Mohamed Salah at the very end of the match (90+7th). The Pharaons captain opened the way by signing a somewhat risky assist for Mohamed (3rd).

Finalist of CAN 2022, the Pharaohs dominated the game, but were punished after returning from the locker room. By Witiness Quembo first, author of a beautiful header on a cross from Domingos Macandza (55th), then by Clésio Bauque, entered at the break and author of a solo rush concluded with a cross strike (58th). But Macandza, for a foul on Mostafa Mohamed in the area, allowed Egypt to score a draw at the last minute.

Ghana-Cape Verde: the Blue Sharks create a surprise

Ghana did worse, losing their first match. The Black Stars came up against a very ambitious Cape Verde team, who claimed victory in the last seconds of the match (2-1). The Blue Sharks led 1-0 for a long time, after a shot was repelled by the Ghanaian goalkeeper at the feet of Jamiro Monteiro (17th). Sluggish, Ghana claimed several penalties (9th, 19th) before a goal from Majeed Ashimeru was refused after viewing the VAR (36th).

Chris Hughton’s men ended up coming back to score thanks to a corner from Jordan Ayew for the head of Alexander Djiku (55th). Before Garry Rodrigues took advantage of the errors of Mohammed Salisu then goalkeeper Richard Ofori to score the 2-1 goal (90+1). Cape Verde ends the first day at the top of group B, Ghana is in last place.