Egypt broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Salah hit a first-time left-footed volley from the edge of the six-yard box, which flew past the outstretched hand of Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Jonas Mendes.
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Mohamed Salah scored the only goal of the match as Egypt beat Guinea-Bissau to earn their first win of the Africa Cup of Nations at Roumde Adjia Stadium on Saturday. It wasn’t a convincing performance from Egypt as they battled their way past the minnows. Mam Balde had a stunning late equaliser ruled out after a VAR intervention. Record seven-time winners Egypt started their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Nigeria, who defeated Sudan 3-1, earlier in the day, to seal qualification to the last 16 stage.
?? A big win for @NGSuperEagles against #TeamSudan.
?? The @Pharaohs earn their first 3 points.This is how group D looks after Matchday 2. ✌️#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/KiMu3cwEbp
— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 ? (@CAF_Online) January 15, 2022
Egypt broke the deadlock in the 69th minute. Salah hit a first-time left-footed volley from the edge of the six-yard box, which flew past the outstretched hand of Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Jonas Mendes.
In the 82nd minute, Balde cut in from the left and curled a shot past Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and into the goal. But the forward was adjudged to have fouled Egypt defender Omar Kamal in the build-up after consultation with the pitchside monitor.
El Shenawy had to punch away a half-volley from Moreto Cassama in injury time to seal the win which would move the North African nation to the second spot in Group D, three points behind leaders Nigeria and two points ahead of Guinea-Bissau and Sudan.
Once again it wasn’t a very convincing performance for Egypt but Salah was involved in the game from the start, unlike against Nigeria when he was isolated up front. The Egypt captain had his low effort from range clip the outside of the right-hand upright in the second minute.
He then played his part in a sweeping move which ended with Mostafa Mohamed side-footing onto the same post, and the Liverpool striker had a volley rebound pushed behind.
Egypt didn’t have a great second half, but Amr El Soleya provided a brilliant ball into the box for Salah to convert with a fine first-time volley. Zizo came close to doubling the lead but his volley from the penalty spot hit the post.
Egypt will face Sudan in their final game on Wednesday knowing a draw will be enough to secure second place in the group, while Guinea-Bissau must beat Nigeria to have any chance of going through to the next round.
Samuel Chukwueze put Nigeria in front inside the opening three minutes before Taiwo Awoniyi doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time. After the break, Moses Simon rolled in a third straight before Walieldin Khedr pulled one back for Sudan from the penalty spot.
Villarreal forward Chukwuzee slotted home from Simon pull back. Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen’s side once again put in a dominant performance in Garoua.
The second was a freak goal as Salaheldin Nemer’s clearing header Cannoned in off Awoniyi. Simon scored the third a minute after restart when he tucked the ball in from a tight angle.
Meanwhile, 20 minutes from time, referee Victor Gomes awarded a penalty to Sudan after a VAR check showed a foul by Ola Alina. Khedr stepped up and converted the spot kick but it proved to be just a consolation goal.
