Nigeria upsets Salah-led Egypt 1-0 on African Cup of Nations opener

Sports Desk, Jan 11 (EFE).- Mohamed Salah’s quest for a first title with Egypt got off to a bad start as Nigeria defeated the Pharaohs 1-0 in their African Cup of Nations opener.

Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho scored the lone goal of the game at the half-hour mark on a shot from inside the area, as Egypt – a seven-time champion – was overwhelmed by a physically strong, more agil rival.

The Liverpool talisman squandered his team’s best chance as goalkeeper Maduka Okoye stopped a weak shot from the Egyptian from inside the area 71 minutes into the game.

After the win, Nigeria momentarily leads Group D with three points, while Egypt holds the last spot, pending Sudan’s clash against Guinea Bissau.

Salah will hope for a better result when Egypt takes on Guinea Bissau on 15 January to keep alive his dreams of a maiden international title.

Earlier in the day, defending champions Algeria, led by Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez, was held to a scoreless draw against Sierra Leone. EFE

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