By Michael Madyira
Nigeria’s woes continued as they started their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on a slow note in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara.
Meanwhile, on the same day, Mozambique frustrated seven-time champions Egypt by fighting to a valiant 2-2 draw in a Group B match at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny.
The Super Eagles were the first to highlight the day after escaping Group A defeat from the Equato-Guineans as Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was trusted to guard the goal.
Dramatic circumstances defined the Nigeria match after Jose Peseiro’s side fell to Ivan Edu Salvador’s strike 36 minutes into the match before Victor Osimhen struck two minutes later.
In first half stoppage time, Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono’s save came off the woodwork when trying to repel a Moses Simon shot.
With 14 minutes to go, Osimhen became the culprit when he fired wide while well-positioned and with just Owono to beat.
Elsewhere across town in Abidjan, Egypt needed a Mohamed Salah stoppage-time penalty conversion to rescue a point for them against Mozambique.
The Pharaohs had started the game on an encouraging note with Mostafa ‘Trezeguet’ Mohamed thrusting them ahead as early as the second minute after pouncing on a missed Salah effort.
But Witi Quembo struck back for the Mambas 10 minutes into the second half before Clesio Palmirim put Mozambique into the lead three minutes later.
As Egypt faced the embarrassment of a defeat, Salah rose to salvage a point for his side from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time.
Pictured above: Victor Osimhen celebrates equalising for Nigeria against Equatorial Guinea
Image source: CAF
