Tough AFCON start for football giants Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana

By Tata Mbunwe

Three African football giants – Egypt, Nigeria, and Ghana – faced unexpected outcomes in their opening matches at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Sunday.

Mohamed Salah scored a late penalty to prevent seven-time champions Egypt from suffering a shock defeat by Mozambique, leveling the scores at 2-2.

Meanwhile, Africa’s 2023 Ballon d’Or winner, Victor Osimhen, scored but Nigeria settled on a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea.

Four-time AFCON winners Ghana suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat from Cape Verde in Sunday’s game.

Egypt vs. Mozambique

Seven-time AFCON champions Egypt, led by the iconic Mohamed Salah, experienced a rollercoaster as they salvaged a 2-2 draw against Mozambique.

Egypt took an early lead with Mostafa Mohamed’s goal, but Mozambique turned the game around with two second-half goals from Witi and Clesio.

Despite a spirited effort from the Mambas, Mohamed Salah’s stoppage-time penalty, awarded after a VAR check, rescued Egypt from a shocking defeat.

Nigeria vs. Equatorial Guinea

Nigeria, a three-time AFCON champion, faced an unexpected setback in their opening Group A match against Equatorial Guinea, settling for a 1-1 draw.

Napoli forward Victor Osimhen scored an equalizer in the 38th minute after Equatorial Guinea took a surprise lead through Iban Salvador.

Despite sustained attacks from Nigeria, they failed to secure a decisive victory, highlighting the resilience of their underdog opponents.

Ghana vs. Cape Verde

The Black Stars suffered a stunning 2-1 defeat at the hands of Cape Verde, adding another twist to the tournament’s early narrative.

Jamiro Monteiro gave Cape Verde the lead in the 17th minute, but Alexander Djiku’s stooping header brought Ghana back on level terms in the second half.

However, Garry Rodrigues capitalized on a defensive mix-up in stoppage time, securing a memorable 2-1 victory for Cape Verde and placing them at the top of Group B.

Mimi Mefo Info

Mimi Mefo Info (Editor)

Recent Posts

Atanga Politicizes Hajj, Calls for Biya’s Reelection

Cameroon's Minister of Territorial Administration and also president of the National Hajj Commission, Paul Atanga…

2 hours ago

Abduction Reported on Njikwa Road: Civil Servants Among Six Individuals Taken

Reports indicate that approximately six individuals, predominantly civil servants returning from celebrations of May 20th,…

4 hours ago

Julius Malema Refutes Trump’s “False” Claim of White Genocide in South Africa

South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters party, led by Julius Malema, has condemned what it says…

5 hours ago

2025 Government Common Entrance Exam Results Released for North West Cameroon

The Regional Delegate of Basic Education for the North West Region has officially released the…

5 hours ago

Cameroonian Rapper Jovi Urges Citizens to Register and Vote Ahead of 2025 Presidential Election

Cameroonian hip-hop artist Ndukong Godlove Nfor, professionally known as Jovi, has encouraged his followers to…

5 hours ago

British Tourist Arrested in Namibia on Allegations of Child Exploitation

65-Year-Old Faces Multiple Charges Including Rape and Indecent Assault

9 hours ago