The Super Eagles’ pre-AFCON friendly match against the Pharaohs of Egypt has ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat at the Cairo International Stadium, Footynaija.com reports.
Egypt began the game with more assuredness and control, dominating possession while looking to make in-roads behind the backline of the Super Eagles, who were content to sit back, soak in the pressure and hit back on the counter.
The Pharaohs’ strong start eventually paid off just before the half hour mark as they breached Nigeria’s defense with a neatly worked goal in the 27th minute.
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It all began with Pharaohs skipper Mohamed Hany. The 29-year-old defender slipped a sublime through ball behind the Super Eagles defense to play in Al Ahly teammate Zizo, who put it on a plate for Mahmoud Saber to slot into an empty net.
Forced to come out of their shell after conceding, the Super Eagles ventured forward in search of an equalizer and came close when Mohamed El Shenawy had to tip his own teammates header over the bar following Frank Onyeka’s long throw.
The West African giants were not to be denied before the half time break though as makeshift captain Chidozie Awaziem was on hand to bundle home a close range effort in stoppage time after El Shenawy made a mess of Zaidu Sanusi’s free kick attempt.
Eric Chelle wrung in the changes at the start of the second half with the likes of Amas Obasogie, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Tochukwu Nnadi, Ademola Lookman and Cyriel Dessers all entering the fray.
However, the changes seemed to distabilize the Super Eagles as Egypt reasserted their dominance on the game, doing well to punish the visitor’s lackluster defending to retake the lead in the 53rd minute through Moustafa Mohamed.
Following that goal, the game settled into a rather mundane affair with both teams exchanging punches but neither side was able to cause any telling damage.
Ultimately, Mohamed’s early second half goal proved to be the difference at the Cairo International Stadium, consigning Chelle and the Super Eagles to a narrow defeat.
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