Senior Man Kelechi Iheanacho scored a stunning goal as Nigeria’s Super Eagles started the quest for a fourth African title on a winning note.
The Super Eagles put on a dominant display to smash their colleagues from Egypt, the Pharaohs, 1-0 during their AFCON 2021 opener on Tuesday afternoon in Garoua, Cameroon.
The only goal of the match was scored on the half-hour mark, Moses Simon, Joe Aribo, and senior man, Nigeria’s best legs on the day, combining to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians back home.
In what was the tournament’s best performance so far, Ausgustine Eguavoen’s side put in a completed display to overcome the Mohamed Salah-led Egypt to take control of Group D.
Elsewhere in Group D
In the other Group D game, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau battled to a goalless draw.
Guinea-Bissau dominated the encounter, hit the woodwork two times and missed a late penalty as the Jediane Falcons of Sudan held on for a share of the spoils.
Defending Champions Algeria Struggle against Sierra Leone
AFCON holders, Algeria’s Les Fennecs, kicked off their defense on a very poor note following a barren display against Sierra Leone in Group E.
Making their return to Africa’s elite competition after 26 years, the Leone Stars played like veterans but still needed their young goalkeeper to keep the Algerians at bay.
22-year-old local lad, Mohamed Kamara, made seven saves, including two notable ones to deny Yacine Brahimi and Riyah Mahrez.
He was named man of the match after Sierra Leone held on for a share of the spoils.
Up Next in Group D On Saturday
#TeamSudan vs #TeamNigeria
#TeamEgypt vs #TeamGuinea-Bissau
What’s your prediction? Join the AFCON2021 conversation on the Football411 AFCONchat on our Social media pages. Use the hash tags; #football411 and #AFCONchat.