Three-time African champions, Super Eagles, were held to a one-all by their Egyptian counterparts in the first leg of the double header AFCON 2017 qualifying tie at the Ahmedu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
Oghenekaro Etebo broke the deadlock through on the hour mark before Egypt’s danger man, Mohamed Salah, equalized towards the end of the tie.
Nigeria bossed ball possession after a bright start to the game, but Egypt threatened on the counter.
Super Eagles goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme, pulled off the first big save of the day when he put out his foot to block a goal-bound effort by Ahmed Hassan ‘Kouka’ after 18 minutes.
Egypt goalkeeper, Ahmed El-Shennawi, was also at his best in the closing moments of the game when he turned away a low, goal-bound shot by Kelechi Iheanacho in the 45th minute.
In first half stoppage time, subdued Odion Ighalo failed to direct his shot from inside the box with the Egypt defence at his mercy.
The duel between Roma star Mohamed and his Nigeria marker, Stanley Amuzie, showed class.
With five points, Nigeria are currently second on the log and must beat the Egyptians in Alexandria in their quest to qualify for the Nations Cup in Gabon.
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This post was last modified on November 30, 2018 1:43 pm