AFCON 2023: Early jitters for big guns as Nigeria and Egypt stumble

Both Nigeria and Egypt were held to draws in their opening matches of the CAF 2023 AFCON group stage on Sunday in Ivory Coast.

Nigeria played out to a 1-1 frustrating draw with Equatorial, whereas Mozambique threw away a golden opportunity to pull a shocker when they settled for a 2-2 draw with Egypt.

Below are some of the talking points from both fixtures.

NIGERIA V EQUATORIAL GUINEA

SOUTH AFRICAN REFEREE TAKING CHARGE

South African referee Abongile Tom took charge of the Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea AFCON clash and ensured the game flowed nicely without any disturbance.

Souru Phatsoane and Liban Abdoulrazack Ahmed assisted Tom. Bamlak Tessema Wayesa was the 4th match official.

GOAL SCORERS OF THE DAY

Iban Salvador scored a surprise opener for Equatorial Guinea in the 36th minute of the showdown.

However, Equatorial Guinea’s joy was short-lived when Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen scored an equaliser just two minutes after the restart in their AFCON Group A opener. In the end, the Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a frustrating draw.

THE SECOND TIME NIGERIA DRAW OPENING GAME AT AFCON

This was the second time in AFCON history that Nigeria have drawn their opening match. They also played a draw in their opening game in 2013.

EGYPT V MOZAMBIQUE

ELIAS PELEMBE OLDEST PLAYER 

Elias Pelembe has become the oldest player at the AFCON at age 40.

WHO SCORED GOALS FOR BOTH NATIONS

Egypt broke the deadlock as early as two minutes into the game by Mostafa Mohamed.

Mozambique were never discouraged as they levelled matters in the second half through Witness Ouembo in the 55th minute.

Clesio Bauque added to the scoreline for Mozambique three minutes after Witness Ouembo’s equaliser. But Mohamed Salah came to Egypt’s rescue in the last minutes of the game when he scored from a spot kick.

MOHAMED SALAH FACTOR

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah was expected to have a bigger role in this tie, given his extensive experience of the beautiful game. 

Unfortunately, things did not go exactly how many people would have hoped, as Salah only helped his side to secure a draw against Mozambique. 

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