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AFCON: Nigeria’s Ouster Shows Tournament Is Tough – Salah

Published

3 years ago

Jan 31, 2022.

AFCON: Nigeria’s Ouster Shows Tournament Is Tough – Salah

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Liverpool star and Egypt captain, Mohamed Salah says the exit of the Super Eagles of Nigeria from the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2022 shows the tournament “is tough for everyone”.

Egypt progressed to the AFCON semis after a scrappy, tightly contested match against Morocco on Sunday thanks to the creativity of Salah – who overturned Morocco’s early lead with an easy close-range finish, then a dazzling assist to hand Mahmoud Trezeguet a goal on a plate.

A successful penalty by Sofiane Boufal put Morocco in the lead in the 7th minute, in a match where Egypt enjoyed most of the possession but tended to lack creative edge, amid abundant fouls from both sides.

After an uninspiring first half, a clinical finish by Salah put Egypt at level pegging in the 53rd minute. But a great run by the global star allowed Trezeguet to put the Pharaohs 2-1 up 10 minutes into extra time.

In their first match of AFCON 2022, Egypt had lost to Nigeria, who showed superiority and were flourishing in the group stage. But the Super Eagles would surprisingly lose to Tunisia in the round-of-16.

“Nigeria had been the best team in the group stage and then they lost,” Salah told Goal. “So you never know with any game. It’s tough for everyone.

“Algeria lost in the group stage, having won it last time, and they had a great team.

“Senegal qualified with one goal,” he added. “I’m not saying something bad, just that the tournament is tough.”

Egypt now face hosts Cameroon on Thursday.

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