Egypt earned a confidence-boosting win over Africa Cup of Nations rivals, Nigeria days before the tournament start. The Pharaohs won 2-1.
In a lively warm-up friendly in Cairo on Tuesday night, Egypt took a deserved lead from Mahmoud Saber just before the half-hour mark. The ZED striker was set up by the impressive Zizo, who was a menace to Nigeria throughout, to tap in at the back post.
Nigeria showed little in the way of attack cohesion, though their intent could not be questioned, but were almost gifted an equaliser when Paul Onuachu’s long was almost headed into his own net by Yasser Ibrahim, with only a fine save preventing an embarrassing own goal.
That glimmer of hope seemed to inspire Nigeria, and they were level soon after. Zaidu fired in a free kick from the left straight at Mohamed El Shenawy’s near post, which the keeper fumbled and let the ball roll under his body and allowing Chidozie Awaziem to head home from a yard out.
Egypt would have entered half-time frustrated, but came out after the break full of momentum and soon re-took the lead. More fine work from Zizo created the space for Mostafa Mohamed to drill home from inside the area.
Nigeria were unable to respond this time as Egypt finished the game on top.
Egypt kick off their AFCON campaign against Zimbabwe on Monday, with Nigeria facing Tanzania the following day.
