AFCON Daily Update: Hard-Fought Stalemate Between Egypt and Ghana, Nigeria Secures Victory Against Ivory Coast…

AFCON Daily Update: Hard-Fought Stalemate Between Egypt and Ghana, Nigeria Secures Victory Against Ivory Coast…

In the fifth installment of the AFCON Daily, we present match summaries from the three intense games held on January 18th. Additionally, we provide a preview of today’s matches, anticipating another captivating night of African football.

Equatorial Guinea strengthened their chances of progressing from Group A with a thrilling 4-2 triumph over Guinea-Bissau. Notably, Emilio Nsue, the Equatorial Guinea captain and former Middlesbrough and Birmingham City winger, took center stage by scoring the first AFCON hat-trick since 2008.

Despite Guinea-Bissau’s defeat, there were positive aspects, as they managed to score their first AFCON goal since 2017. A defensive lapse from Guinea-Bissau allowed Nsue to break through and open the scoring in the 21st minute, but the Djurtus equalized in the 37th minute with an Esteban Orozco Fernández own goal.

After VAR denied a penalty for Guinea-Bissau just before halftime, Josete Miranda put Equatorial Guinea ahead shortly after the restart, making it 2-1. Nsue increased the lead five minutes later with a splendid cross from Basilio Ndong and completed his hat-trick in the 61st minute by outsmarting the Guinea-Bissau offside trap and rounding the goalkeeper. Guinea-Bissau’s Zé Turbo salvaged some pride in extra time with a clever finish, making it 4-2.

This outcome propels Equatorial Guinea to the top of Group A, increasing their chances of advancing to the knockout stages, while Guinea-Bissau’s hopes for progression have come to an end.

Nigeria secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Ivory Coast, breaking the deadlock with a penalty converted by captain William Troost-Ekong in the 55th minute. Despite a goalless first half marked by frenetic action, the Super Eagles persevered to maintain a clean sheet and secure the win, marking Nigeria’s first-ever victory in Ivory Coast.

The initial significant opportunity arose in the 8th minute when Samuel Chukwueze delivered a precise through-ball to Victor Osimhen, who, unfortunately, sent it over an advancing Yahia Fofana. The first half unfolded in a chaotic manner, with both sides engaging in an end-to-end battle, but neither could find the finishing touch, resulting in a goalless halftime.

The Super Eagles dominated the second half, and a foul on Osimhen led to a penalty after VAR review. Troost-Ekong confidently stepped up and fired the ball down the middle, beating Ivorian goalkeeper Fofana. Despite a spirited triple substitution by the Ivory Coast in the 67th minute, they failed to find an equalizer.

Troost-Ekong’s goal earned Nigeria three crucial points, placing them second in Group A based on goal difference. The host nation, Ivory Coast, now stands in third place heading into their final group stage encounter against Group A leaders Equatorial Guinea.