⚽ 2021 AFCON: Egypt edge G.Bissau 1-0, Nigeria beat Sudan 3-1
Nigeria beat Sudan 3-1, as Egypt edge Guinea Bissau in Group D.
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
⚽🇨🇲 33rd EDITION OF AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS 🌍
✍🏽 Presented by Joseph Kizza
(Scroll down the page for earlier updates)
📺 Watch all the AFCON 2021 matches live on Vision Group's Wan Luo TV (Startimes Channel 239 and on the Vision Digital Experience App)
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11:55 pm | Victories for Nigeria, Egypt, heartbreak for G.Bissau
FT: Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-1 Egypt 🇪🇬
FT: Nigeria 🇳🇬 3-1 Sudan 🇸🇩
Wins for Nigeria and Egypt in Group D, as Sudan and Guinea Bissau hope to pick themselves back up in their final group games next week.
And that's all for today's coverage here. Till then. Cheers!
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11:54 pm | FULL TIME - Egypt edge G.Bissau
FT: Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-1 Egypt 🇪🇬
A well-fought battle for Guinea Bissau against a very attack-minded Egyptian side.
Next up, Egypt play Sudan while Guinea Bissau meet runaway leaders Nigeria on Wednesday (January 19). Interestingly, all the three sides of this group apart from the Super Eagles, who are already through, are still in it. 
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11:49 pm | FULL TIME - Egypt edge G.Bissau
FT: Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-1 Egypt 🇪🇬
A contest, this. What drama! Egypt had to fight for these three points.
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11:40 pm | ⚽ DISALLOWED GOAL! - (Guinea Bissau)
85' Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-1 Egypt 🇪🇬
And just like that, Mama Baldé's goal is cancelled. After a review of the incident leading to that goal, the Guinea Bissau man is adjudged to have tugged down Omar Kamal. Replays show pulling by both players, but looks like the referee's decision was most focused on Baldé's yank on Kamal's neck before slipping away to score.
Heartbreak for the Djurtus. Relief for the Pharaohs. That is a controversial decision and will be a major talking point.
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11:35 pm | ⚽ GOAL! - Mama Baldé (Guinea Bissau)
80' Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 1-1 Egypt 🇪🇬
WOW! WOW! Where did that come from?
Oh my is that a contender for goal of the campaign! Mama Baldé makes it 1-1. Scenes. mad scenes!
Hold up though.....the VAR team have communicated with the referee. And he will trot over to the pitch-side monitor to check something. Guines Bissau players are nervous. Egyptian players are hopeful.
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11:33 pm |
78' Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-1 Egypt 🇪🇬
Jorginho tries his luck with a bullet shot. It is a real test for Mohamed El Shenawy, but the Egytian keeper is up to the task.
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11:33 pm |
78' Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-1 Egypt 🇪🇬
Guinea Bissau players seem burned out as the Egyptians push for a second - and cushion - goal.
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11:24 pm | ⚽ GOAL! - Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
69' Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-1 Egypt 🇪🇬
Speaking of separation. It was long coming. Breakthrough at last! And who else? Mohamed Salah gives Egypt a deserved lead.
A cross is dropped into the box, the Djurtus backline think that Salah, who gets on the end of the toss, is offside. He is very much onside, and the Liverpool forward threads precisely past keeper Jonas Mendes, who should have positioned himself better.
Relief for Egypt. They are still in it.
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11:20 pm |
65' Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-0 Egypt 🇪🇬
Nerves, anxiety and frustration are beginning to set in from an Egyptian point of view. Twenty-five minutes to go and the two sides cannot be separated.
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11:10 pm |
55' Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-0 Egypt 🇪🇬
Guinea Bissau first made it to the AFCON finals in 2017 and they have qualified for ensuing editions since. This means this is their third successive appearance.
Credit to them, they have put up some formidable resistance against their more illustrious opponents in the form of Egypt. Moreto Cassamá is stopped in his tracks as he ploughs through the Egyptian back line, and goes crashing on the floor, gifting his side a freekick from a good spot just outside the box.
Fali Candé stands over the dead ball. His effort is not good - it flies over the bar. Good chance squandered!
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11:05 pm | 🟨 YELLOW CARD! - Mohamed Elneny (Egypt)
50' Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-0 Egypt 🇪🇬
Moreto Cassamá is writhing in agony on the pitch after Mohamed Elneny misses the ball and catches his ankle. Looks painful.
The Arsenal man goes in the book.
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11:01 pm | KICKOFF! - Second half
46' Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-0 Egypt 🇪🇬
Here we go again. What gives?
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10:53 pm | HALF TIME - The stats
HT: Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-0 Egypt 🇪🇬
Egypt have been by far the more superior side in the opening half, and the stats show. Carlos Queiroz's men enjoyed 69.2% of the ball, starving their opponents, who had only 30.8%.
Egypt had 11 attempts at goal, but only two were on target. Guinea Bissau had three shots at goal and none was on target.
Guinea Bissau committed 10 fouls in the opening half againsr Egypt's five.
The Pharaohs made 204 accurate passes while the Djurtus made 77.
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10:46 pm | HALF TIME - No breakthrough
HT: Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-0 Egypt 🇪🇬
Guinea Bissau are the more relieved side after that half time whistle goes. It has been a breathless conclusion to the opening half for them, pegged back by an Egyptian side eager to find that elusive goal.
It is goalless at the break.
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10:39 pm | Five minutes to the break
40' Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-0 Egypt 🇪🇬
No way through - yet - for Egypt . . . Guinea Bissau are barely hanging on as they absorb attack after attack from the marauding Pharaohs. Can they make it to the break? They are close.
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10:23 pm | 🟨 YELLOW CARD! - Jefferson Encada (G.Bissau)
32' Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-0 Egypt 🇪🇬
Guinea Bissau need to be careful. Jefferson Encada is the second man booked in this game for tagging back Omar Marmoush, who was headed for goal.
The Bissau man thinks the referee was harsh in dishing him a yellow - but the Egyptian players are furious. They think Encada should be sent off instead! The referee won't hear any of that, though, and sticks to his initial decision of awarding a freekick just outside the box.
The ensuing delivery is poor though.
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10:27 pm |
28' Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-0 Egypt 🇪🇬
In the buildup to this game, Egypt's coach said that every match is important and that they would try to improve their game two performance.
With six changes made to the side that lost their opener against Nigeria, the Pharoahs are looking much, much better in this one. They are carrying more threat, although the Djurtus have done well to keep them at bay.
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10:24 pm | 🟨 YELLOW CARD! - Piqueti (G.Bissau)
25' Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-0 Egypt 🇪🇬
Silva Piqueti is the first man to go in the referee's book for striking at Omar Kamal during an aerial challenge for the ball.
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10:17 pm | 💥 HITS WOODWORK!
18' Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-0 Egypt 🇪🇬
Egypt thought that was going in - I thought so too. But, again, the woodwork has a say in this.
Mohamed Salah dinks a beautifully weighted pass down to an unmarked Omar Marmoush on the left inner wing, who does well to keep the ball in play. He threads it back to Mostafa Mohamed, who glances at the far right bottom corner of Jonas Mendes's goal and goes for it. But the ball agonisingly kisses off the post and swivels out of play. So close!
Salah can relate!
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10:12 pm |
13' Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-0 Egypt 🇪🇬
Another chance for the Djurtus inside the box, but Ayman Ashraf makes a timely headed clearance to deny the Guinea Bissau players lurking inside the area any goal-scoring ideas.
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10:06 pm |
7' Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-0 Egypt 🇪🇬
The Egyptians are making more use of the right wing - where Salah is always positioned when they go into attack mode. But it is two-way traffic, and Guinea Bissau make a break. Steve Ambri tries his luck, but the effort whistles way over the bar and goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy won't bother himself much. Decent effort though.
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10:00 pm | 💥 CLOSE! - Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
2' Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-0 Egypt 🇪🇬
Guinea Bissau will have to quickly learn that they cannot afford Mohamed Salah so much room to twist and turn on to his powerful left foot. In a high-octane start to this contest, the Liverpool forward is allowed to turn and test Jonas Mendes from yards out. Close, but the low effort shaves off the post to roll out of play.
A sense of urgency for the Pharaohs in these opening periods.
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9:58 pm | KICKOFF!
1' Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 0-0 Egypt 🇪🇬
Guinea Bissau are wearing all-red, Egypt are in all-white. Africa is watching. The world is watching. Mohamed Salah, we are watching you.
Game on!
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9:45 pm | A first ever AFCON meeting
Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 v Egypt 🇪🇬 (10pm)
Guinea-Bissau are taking part in the tournament for a third successive time, and are meeting Egypt for the first time at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Uncharted territory for both sides. The pressure - and weight of expectation - is more on the seven-time record champions. An opportunity for Guinea Bissau?
A quarter-of-an-hour to kickoff.
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9:34 pm | Who is starting tonight?
Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 v Egypt 🇪🇬 (10pm)
Egypt make SIX changes to the side that lost to Nigeria while Guinea Bissau make three reforms. Here are the players on the starting lineups for this 10pm (Ugandan time) kickoff:
GUINEA BISSAU
Jonas Mendes (GK) (C)
Jefferson Encada
Fali Candé
Burá
Sori Mané
Opa Sanganté
Moreto Cassamá
Panutche Camará
Steve Ambri
Piqueti
Mama Baldé
EGYPT
Mohamed El Shenawy (GK)
Mohamed Elneny
Ayman Ashraf
Omar Kamal
Amr El Soleya
Ahmed Hegazy
Mostafa Mohamed
Mahmoud Hamdi El Wensh
Omar Marmoush
Mohamed Salah (C)
Abdalla El Said
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9:15 pm | Egypt wait for Salah lift-off
Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 v Egypt 🇪🇬 (10pm)
By AFP:
Egypt will expect more from star man Mohamed Salah against Guinea-Bissau as the record seven-time champions attempt to bounce back from an opening loss to Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Liverpool forward cut an isolated and frustrated figure as Egypt lost 1-0 to the Super Eagles in Garoua, suffering their first group stage defeat at the continental tournament since 2004.
It could be argued there is no better player in the world right now than the 29-year-old forward, who has scored 54 times for Liverpool since the start of last season.
But Salah has struggled to hit those same heights of late for his country, and is without a goal for Egypt in his last six appearances having drawn a blank so far in 2022 World Cup qualifying.
He has downplayed Egypt's chances of lifting the trophy, suggesting the Pharaohs are not the title favourites, but expectations remain high for a team that bitterly disappointed on home soil in 2019.
Dreams of an eighth Cup of Nations crown quickly turned into a nightmare three years ago as Egypt were bundled out in the last 16 by South Africa in front of 80,000 disbelieving fans in Cairo - and millions more around the country.
While the 24-team format affords sides more leeway, Egypt now face the very realistic prospect of drawing reigning champions Algeria or Ivory Coast in the next round - assuming they advance from Group D.
Egypt coach Carlos Queiroz chats with Mohamed Salah during training in Garoula
Carlos Queiroz, hired in September to replace Hossam El Badry, admitted Egypt need to raise their level.
"The performance in the first half was very poor and this is the truth, we were not on the field," said Queiroz after the Nigeria defeat.
"We lost this match but there are six points we must get against Sudan and Guinea-Bissau to qualify."
The odds will be heavily in Egypt's favour against Saturday's opponents, Guinea-Bissau, who are making their third consecutive finals appearance but have yet to win a game at Africa's flagship competition.
For Egypt to make a deep run though, they will need Salah, one of three finalists for the FIFA best men's player award, to rediscover his magic on the international stage.
"I don't think we are the first candidate (to win) this tournament, but we do our best to win it," Salah said earlier this week.
"We have a good coach. We have a good team. We have a very good group and they've played for the national team for 10, 11, years now so I know we have (a) very good team.
"So, we give our best and hopefully we win it."
Liverpool will be keeping a close eye on Egypt's fortunes, along with those of Sadio Mane's Senegal, with contract talks involving Salah a key topic of conversation around Anfield.
Salah has fewer than 18 months left on his current deal and in a recent interview with GQ magazine said he wanted to be rewarded for his huge contribution.
"I want to stay, but it's not in my hands," he said. "It's in their hands. They know what I want. I'm not asking for crazy stuff.
"The thing is when you ask for something and they show you they can give you something (they should) because they appreciate what you did for the club."
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9:05 pm | Next up, Pharaohs take on Djurtus
Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 v Egypt 🇪🇬 (10pm)
Next up, Mohamed Salah and his fellow Pharaohs will be in action at the same stadium against the Djurtus.
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9:01 pm | FULL TIME: Nigeria beat Sudan
FT: Nigeria 🇳🇬 3-1 Sudan 🇸🇩
Samuel Chukwueze scored his first senior goal for Nigeria three minutes into the game, Taiwo Awoniyi made it two before the break, before Moses Simon put the contest beyond Sudan just after restart.
The Falcons, though, were given reason to believe when Walieldin Khedr tucked home a beautiful penalty 20 minutes before time.
But the Super Eagles would not be be denied and took the three points to bolster their position at the summit of Group D.
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8:53 pm | FULL TIME: Nigeria shake off Sudan
FT: Nigeria 🇳🇬 3-1 Sudan 🇸🇩
And that will be it for this one! A deserved victory for Nigeria, who, after picking up two wins in two games, have confirmed their place in the knockout stage.
Hosts Cameroon and Morocco are the other sides that are through to the last-16 with one game to spare.
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8:45 pm | 💥 OUCH! - Sudan captain injured - and out
86' Nigeria 🇳🇬 3-1 Sudan 🇸🇩
It is the end of the game for Sudan's skipper, Salaheldin Nemer, who has to be stretchered off the pitch after appearing to have landed awkwardly during a challenge in his box.
He won't be back, so he hands the captain's armband to goalkeeper Ali Achrine. That will be a worrying departure for Sudan, who play against Egypt in their final group game.
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8:41 pm | Substitutions - Nigeria
82' Nigeria 🇳🇬 3-1 Sudan 🇸🇩
Another change for Nigeria. On comes Umar Sadiq and off marches goalscorer Taiwo Awoniyi. He has played his part, and can now enjoy the refreshing oranges!
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8:39 pm | 💥 CHANCE! - Sudan
80' Nigeria 🇳🇬 3-1 Sudan 🇸🇩
Sudan make a break for it on the right. Mustafa Elfadni whips into the area a fierce pass, but it misses his teammate, who slides in a little too late hoping to connect. Warning bell for Nigeria!
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8:34 pm |
75' Nigeria 🇳🇬 3-1 Sudan 🇸🇩
Now that's the diversity you see in the stands.
On the pitch, it is two-way traffic. A topsy-turvy affair with 15 minutes left on the clock.
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8:29 pm | ⚽ GOAL! - Walieldin Khedr (Sudan)
70' Nigeria 🇳🇬 3-1 Sudan 🇸🇩
Deliciously taken! Walieldin Khedr sends Maduka Okoye the wrong way from the spot. A composed beautiful finish!
A comeback, anyone?
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8:28 pm | PENALTY TO SUDAN
69' Nigeria 🇳🇬 3-0 Sudan 🇸🇩
After a quick view on the side-pitch monitor, the referee points to the spot. Ola Aina is shown yellow for his infringement on a Sudanese player during a freekick delivery.
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8:24 pm | All green and white at Roumde Adjia Stadium
65' Nigeria 🇳🇬 3-0 Sudan 🇸🇩
Nigeria make reforms. Kelechi Nwakali comes on for Joe Ayodele-Aribo while Ahmed Musa is on in place of Kelechi Iheanacho.
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8:19 pm | All green and white at Roumde Adjia Stadium
60' Nigeria 🇳🇬 3-0 Sudan 🇸🇩
When it is all going your way . . .
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8:11 pm | 💥 CLOSE! - Nigeria
52' Nigeria 🇳🇬 3-0 Sudan 🇸🇩
That was an important block by Mustafa Karshoum to stop Taiwo Awoniyi scoring his second of the night. The Sudanese defender flew in just at the right time to block the goal-bound effort from the Super Eagle out for a corner.
Many had counted it, I am sure.
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8:08 pm | Nigeria in total control
49' Nigeria 🇳🇬 3-0 Sudan 🇸🇩
At this rate, bar any shocks (football is a strange old sport), Nigeria will be playing in the knockout stage. They play Guinea Bissau (who face Egypt later tonight) in their final group game.
The Super Eagles have progressed from the group stage for the last 13 editions they have been a part of (since 1982).
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8:05 pm | ⚽ GOAL! - Moses Simon (Nigeria)
46' Nigeria 🇳🇬 3-0 Sudan 🇸🇩
Oh my! Moses Simon dashes in to improve Nigeria's lead. This is getting worse for Sudan. Make that three for the Super Eagles, who are running riot.
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8:04 pm | KICKOFF! Second half under way
46' Nigeria 🇳🇬 2-0 Sudan 🇸🇩
I am sure Sudan's head coach Burhan Tia has had plenty to tell his players at the break. Can they launch a comeback?
The second half is under way.
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7:56 pm | The statistics at the break
HT: Nigeria 🇳🇬 2-0 Sudan 🇸🇩
Nigeria enjoyed 61.1% of the ball against Sudan's 38.9% in the opening half. The Super Eagles had 11 total attempts at goal, with six of those on target. The Falcons, on the other hand, had a lowly three attempts at goal, with only one on target.
Sudan (seven) commited more fouls than Nigeria (two) in the entire half.
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7:47 pm | HALF TIME - Nigeria leading
HT: Nigeria 🇳🇬 2-0 Sudan 🇸🇩
The Super Eagles soar over the Falcons at the break.
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7:44 pm | ⚽ GOAL! - Taiwo Awoniyi (Nigeria)
45' Nigeria 🇳🇬 2-0 Sudan 🇸🇩
Make that two for the Super Eagles! Taiwo Awoniyi does not immediately know where his header ends up, only to wheel way in celebration after realizing it is in the back of the Sudan net.
The Falcons are in half-hearted protests. They think the Nigerian handled the ball. Nope, he did not, replays show.
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7:36 pm | 💥 CLOSE! - Nigeria
37' Nigeria 🇳🇬 1-0 Sudan 🇸🇩
A frantic moment for the Sudanese defense there to clear the danger! Nigeria should be 2-0 up. Desperate attacking and desperate defending in a crowded Sudanese box.
Zaidu Sanusi brings down Moses Simon on the left flank. The huge, springly Nigerian stands over the resulting freekick, and whips it into the box. Nigerian captain William Troost-Ekong connects, but Ali Achrine blocks the effort back out to find Taiwo Awoniyi, who attempts to lash the ball back in. The Sudanese scramble to clear, and they do.
The Nigerians win back the ball. Joe Ayodele-Aribo sprints through on the right and lets rip, but the keeper is out to get a touch on it and reduce its momentum. Awoniyi gets onto the ricochet and connects, but it strikes the wood work and gets hit out of the box in a frenetic episode.
This time, danger is cleared. Reprieve for Sudan!
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7:29 pm | 30 minutes played
30' Nigeria 🇳🇬 1-0 Sudan 🇸🇩
Half-an-hour played and it is still a delicate lead for Nigeria. They are knocking and knocking at Sudan's door, only to be slammed out.
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7:25 pm | 💥 CLOSE! - Nigeria
26' Nigeria 🇳🇬 1-0 Sudan 🇸🇩
And Kelechi Iheanacho almost doubles the score for the Super Eagles! He is played through on the right - it is an acute angle and the Nigerian forward lets fly, but his shot is blocked out for a corner by Sudan captain Salaheldin Nemer.
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7:24 pm | Chukwueze, Iheanacho on target
25' Nigeria 🇳🇬 1-0 Sudan 🇸🇩
Nigeria's two goals scored at this edition have been scored by these two men: Samuel Chukwueze and Kelechi Iheanacho (against Egypt).
There is great expectation that more goals are coming in this one.
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7:18 pm |
19' Nigeria 🇳🇬 1-0 Sudan 🇸🇩
Sudan's Yasin Hamed tries to launch an attack down the left flank, but he gets knocked off the ball easily by his lankier Nigerian minder.
The sound of trumpets - from the Nigerian legion of fans mostly - rings out continously across the stadium as dusk approaches.
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7:12 pm |
13' Nigeria 🇳🇬 1-0 Sudan 🇸🇩
Sudan get their first corner of the game, but what comes from it is no good.
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7:08 pm | Nigeria qualify - as it stands
9' Nigeria 🇳🇬 1-0 Sudan 🇸🇩
That early lead has allowed the Nigerians to settle down more and tap the ball around. But the Falcons are not going down with a fight - they launch a rare attack, but goalkeeper Maduka Okoye dashes out to close out any potential danger.
As it stands, the Super Eagles will move on to the last-16.
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7:02 pm | ⚽ GOAL! - Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria)
3' Nigeria 🇳🇬 1-0 Sudan 🇸🇩
That was quick! Samuel Chukwueze gives The Super Eagles a very early lead. Should be the quickest goal scored at this edition.
It comes from a long throw from the right edge into the crowded Sudanese area. There is poor marking as the Nigerians are allowed to toy with the ball, which ends up with Chukwueze slotting home with his left foot past goalkeeper Ali Achrine.
Not a bad way to start proceedings!
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6:59 pm | KICKOFF!
1' Nigeria 🇳🇬 0-0 Sudan 🇸🇩
Today's centre referee is South African Victor Gomes. He allows the ball to roll.
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6:55 pm | Almost there . . .
Nigeria 🇳🇬 v Sudan 🇸🇩 (7pm)
The teams are out of the dugout. One side of the open Roumde Adjia Stadium is baked in glorious evening sunshine. It is almost 5pm in Cameroon. It is approaching to 7pm in Uganda. Anthems time now.
Nigeria are wearing white and green while Sudan are donning red.
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6:34 pm | The starting lineups
Nigeria 🇳🇬 v Sudan 🇸🇩 (7pm)
Nigeria are unchanged from the side beat Egypt on Tuesday.
NIGERIA XI:
Maduka Okoye (GK)
Ola Aina
Zaidu Sanusi
Joe Ayodele-Aribo
William Troost-Ekong (C)
Kenneth Omeruo
Samuel Chukwueze
Wilfred Ndidi
Taiwo Awoniyi
Kelechi Iheanacho
Moses Simon
Sudan make one change from the side that drew with Guinea Bissau four days ago.
SUDAN XI:
Ali Achrine (GK)
Mustafa Elfadni
Mazin Mohamedein
Mohamed Al Rashed
Salaheldin Nemer (C)
Mustafa Karshoum
Gumaa Abas Omer
Walieldin Khedr
Musab Eisa
Yasin Hamed
Abdelrazig Omer
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6:30 pm | 30 minutes to kickoff . . .
Nigeria 🇳🇬 v Sudan 🇸🇩 (7pm)
Half-an-hour to kickoff. Time is racing without a speed governor, eh!
The two coaches, Augustine Eguavoen (Nigeria) and Burhan Tia (Sudan), must be pumped up. All to play for when their respective teams emerge out on to the Roumde Adjia turf to battle.
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6:22 pm | Tunisia lose protest over premature match
Meanwhile, speaking of referees, remember the Tunisia vs Mali game that was twice ended before time in a very eventful contest? Check out this story by AFP on the developments: 👇🏽
Tunisia's protest over their bizarre Africa Cup of Nations defeat to Mali in which the referee blew the final whistle twice before full time was thrown out on Thursday.
Mali were leading Wednesday's match 1-0 when Zambian official Janny Sikazwe signalled the end of the match after 85 minutes, then again at 89 minutes and 47 seconds - even though three minutes of time added on had been scheduled.
The Tunisians, who had been desperately searching for an equaliser against a Mali side reduced to 10 men, were furious.
When the teams were informed that the match must resume, only Mali complied while Tunisia's players were already in ice baths, refusing to return to the pitch.
"After examining the protest of Tunisia and all the match officials report, the organising committee decided to dismiss the protest lodged by the Tunisian team....and to homologate the match result as 1-0 in favour of Mali," said a statement released by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
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6:15 pm | The referees
By the way, as you may have noticed, VAR - video assistant referee - is in use at this tournament.
While VAR is only consulted for unclear or controversial incidents in the game that require plenty of rewinds and scrutiny, most of the decision-making is done in real time - by the centre referees. Some decisions made in this tournament have, at best, raised eyebrows, and stoked controversy - plus fury - in some camps, casting an unwanted spotlight on the quality of refereeing here. But heck, we have seen worse in other tournaments and leagues beyond the continent. Referees, by every nature of their difficult job, remain human - thus, prone to error.
Anyways, take a look at some of the centre referees that have handled the 2021 AFCON duels....
Algerian referee Lahlou Benbraham handling Gabon vs Ghana in Yaounde . . .
Mauritian referee Dahane Beida taking charge of Malawi vs Zimbabwe in Bafoussam . . .
Tunisian referee Sadok Selmi shows Morocco's defender Achraf Hakimi yellow during Morocco vs Comoros in Yaounde . . .
Here, Ethiopian referee Bamlak Tessema Weyesa books Guinea's defender Issiaga Sylla during Senegal vs Guinea in Bafoussam . . .
Egyptian referee Amin Omar handling matters in Cape Verde vs Burkina Faso in Yaounde . . .
Senegalese referee Issa Sy is majestic as he dishes out the yellow card to Guinea-Bissau's forward Joseph Mendes during Sudan vs Guinea-Bissau in Garoua . . .
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6:00 pm | Colour, creativity and charisma in the stands
A football game with no spectators to cheer their respective teams on is boring stuff. In fact, many players ride on the backing in the stands to elevate their performances. This AFCON edition is going on amid a global pandemic, and organizers have had to be extra keen on enforcing guidelines meant to keep at bay the coronavirus. 
Access to stadia has had to be restricted to only people who have been fully vaccinated and those with a negative PCR test result.
The number of spectators allowed in to physically watch the games has also been reduced - 80% of the total seating capacity for all games featuring hosts Cameroon and 60% for other matches.
Those fortunate to get closer to the action become a part of the colour and spirit seen in the stands, as spectators rally behind their teams in impressively creative ways. Take a look at how some of the spectators have graced the games played so far:
This Ivory Coast supporter wore his team's nickname (The Elephants) - literally - as they faced Equatorial Guinea in Douala . . .
Two whistles will do for this passionate Ghana supporter . . .
And here is a real contender for the Most Creative Fan of the Tournament honours . . .
(Don't mind me...I just made that up!)
This Morocco supporter struck a more majestic pose . . .
And this Comoros supporter definitely spent some good time in front of his mirror . . .
The Lions of Teranga (Senegal) prove fearless in the stands too . . .
Synchronization is equally important for a seamless display . . .
Now here is how you clap - with giant palms - plus a huge yellow star emblazoned on your midsection for added effect . . .
This Cameroon supporter has every reason to keep his pearly whites on full display . . .
Gambia are definitely not gambling at this edition - their debut. They opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Mauritania, which elevated the spirits of supporter . . .
The percussion vibe from these Ivory Coast supporters is enough to get you on your feet. Teasy, eh? . . .
If you want to have a feel of the Naija spirit, go no further . . .
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5:40 pm | Scorers in matchday two gamess
On Thursday, hosts Cameroon beat Ethiopia 4-1, the highest number of goals scored so far. In a high-octane game, Dawa Hotessa got the Walias off to a flying start with a 4th-minute opening goal. But four minutes later, the Indomitable Lions roared their way back to level terms through Karl Toko Ekambi at Olembe Stadium.
Early in the second half, Cameroon's captain Vincent Aboubakar scored two quick-fire goals in a space of only three minutes to put the hosts firmy in front. In doing so, the stocky forward also completed his consecutive brace at this edition, having scored twice from the spot in the opening game against Burkina Faso.
Toko Ekambi then completed the rout with his second goal of the night and the fourth for the hosts to see Antonio Conceicao fittingly become the first team to advance to the round of 16.
Ethiopia forward Dawa Hotessa wheels away to celebrate scoring the opening goal
Karl Toko Ekambi scored the first and fourth goal for Cameroon
Vincent Aboubakar again scored two goals in the same game at this edition
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Later on Thursday, Cape Verde were looking to build on their victorious start of the campaign, but in Burkina Faso, they found a side keen on getting theirs back on track.
Cape Verde came into this game on the back of a 1-0 win over Ethiopia while Burkina Faso suffered defeat against the hosts. In a turn of fortunes for both sides, it was The Stallions that took the three points, thanks to Boureima Hassane Bande's strike in the 39th minute. It ended 1-0 to ensure that both teams remain in firm contention for knockout stage qualification.
Boureima Hassane Bande scored the winner to keep Burkina Faso in it
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Friday saw four matches played - two in Group B and two in Group C.
In Group B, Africa's top-ranked side Senegal battled against Guinea, with both sides hoping to seal their spot in the round of 16, having won their opening games.
But that all-West African duel ended goalless at Koukekong Stadium.
In the same group, Malawi managed to keep their knockout stage qualification quest alive by coming from a goal down to beat Zimbabwe 2-1.
Ishmael Wadi put The Warriors in front in the 38th minute. Gabadinho Mhango levelled the score five minutes later, before scoring again 13 minutes into the second half to seal three important points for Malawi. The Flames will confirm their place in the knockout stage if they beat Senegal in their final group stage game.
Zimbabwe are eliminated and will only play their last group game against Guinea for honours.
Ishmael Wadi was delighted to score the first goal for Zimbabwe at this edition
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In Group C, Morocco became the second team to advance to the last-16 with a 2-0 victory over Comoros, having beaten Ghana in their opener.
On Friday, The Atlas Lions led through midfielder Selim Amallah 16 minutes into the game, before Zakaria Aboukhlal sealed the win two minutes before the end of regulation time.
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In the last game of Friday was between Gabon and Ghana.
After losing their opening match against Morocco, the Black Stars were eager to get back to winning ways. The four-time Africa Cup of Nations champions were just about to do that against a Gabon side missing their star player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is recovering from COVID-19, but they let their lead slip through in the dying minutes of an intense game.
Andre Ayew, Ghana's captain, opened the scoring in the 18th minute. But just like it seemed the three points were in the bag, Jim Allevinah punished Ayew's side with a well-worked equalizer in the 88th minute to ensure both sides shared the spoils.
There were ugly scenes at the end of the match, as players and officials clashed on the pitch. From thedramatic episode, that saw a punch fly, a player (Aaron Boupendza) go down, and Ghana's Benjamin Tetteh shown red by referee .
Gabon, now on four points, will play group leaders Morocco while Ghana, who have one point, will look to putting up a big performance against an already-eliminated Comoros side to stand a chance of progressing to the next phase.
Jordan Ayew joined his brother Andre in celebrations of their only game against Gabon
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5:25 pm | (Only) 25 goals in 18 games
This Nations Cup edition has stood out for its lack of goals, especially in the opening round of group games. With a half of the matchday two matches played, the goals chart reflects mostly a binary dimension.
A paltry 25 goals have been scored across the 18 games played so far. Ten of these duels have produced a 1-0 result.
Five games have seen more than one goal scored, including two featuring the hosts, Cameroon.
Four matches have ended in a draw, including a 1-1 result (the only non-goalless draw).
Where did the players leave their scoring boots? Or are the goalkeepers too good?
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5:20 pm | In their previous games
Nigeria 🇳🇬 v Sudan 🇸🇩 (7pm)
Nigeria started their quest for a fourth African title with a clash-of-giants game against Mohamed Salah's Egypt. For long periods of the game, it was The Super Eagles that proved the better side, and Kelechi Iheanacho's stunning first half - and winning - goal was testament to the West African side's superiority on the day.
Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winner for Nigeria against Egypt
Meanwhile, no goals were scored in the Sudan v Guinea matchup. Sudan will have been relieved to walk away with a point after seeing their keeper, Ali Abu Eshrein, save Judilson Gomes' (Pelé) penalty nine minutes before time.
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5:17 pm | Sudan could go to the summit if . . .
Nigeria 🇳🇬 v Sudan 🇸🇩 (7pm)
Sudan, who have won the Africa Cup of Nations once (in 1970), picked up a point from their opening goalless draw with Guinea-Bissau.
Coach Burhan Tia’s Jediane Falcons will climb to the top of the group with a win over Nigeria, as they wait for the outcome of the Guinea Bissau-Egypt match three hours later.
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5:15 pm | Nigeria will go through if . . .
Nigeria 🇳🇬 v Sudan 🇸🇩 (7pm)
Nigeria, three-time winners of the competition, come into today's duel on the back of a big win over Egypt. Big win not in the numerical sense of it (it was a 1-0 result), but big because of the reputation The Pharoahs have: they are the record African champions (seven titles).
Buoyed by that opening victory, Coach Augustine Eguavoen's Super Eagles will confirm their place in the knockout stage if they beat Sudan - with a game to spare.
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5:10 pm | Battle of two birds
Nigeria 🇳🇬 v Sudan 🇸🇩 (7pm)
The first showdown of this group's matchday two will pit The Super Eagles of Nigeria against the Jediane Falcons of Sudan at the Roumde Adjia Stadium in Cameroon's port city of Garoua.
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5:05 pm | Group D standings
Today's games (all match kickoffs are listed in Ugandan time):
Nigeria 🇳🇬 v Sudan 🇸🇩 (7pm)
Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 v Egypt 🇪🇬 (10pm)
As we warm up for today's double-header, take a look at how things stand in Group D:
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5:00 pm | The battles have been fierce
It has been a week laden with tasty African football, as the continent's best teams, currently fragmented into six groups of four, battle each other to secure spots in the knockout phase of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
The teams in each group are playing a single round robin - this means each team has to play its three group opponents once. The top two teams from each group and the four highest ranked third-placed teams will move on to the round of 16. That means eight teams were be eliminated at the group phase.
You could say that this competition, which was delayed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, has not been short of drama. We have seen it all - or most of it: from verbal and physical clashes to refereeing debacles and goals (or lack of them).
Hello and welcome to what promises to be an exciting evening of another round of African football. Attention today will be on Group D, during which all the four teams - Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, Sudan and Egypt will be playing their second games.
Stick with us here for this text commentary as we build up to coverage of the two games. (As usual, don't forget to refresh this page for updates).
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