AFCON 2021: Salah – Led Egypt Make Knockouts

Mohamed Salah put in a man of the match performance as skipper of the night for Egypt, who won against Sudan (1-0) to confirm their presence as runners-up in group D of the 2021 AFCON.

Despite their poor start to the tournament with a one – nil defeat suffered in the hands of Nigeria, Egypt bounced back with two victories in her remaining fixtures – to end on the second spot, advancing to the round of 16s.

Egypt came into their game against Sudan needing a victory, and Abdelmoneim’s header was enough to pick-up all three points.

The Pharaohs started slowly and so did Sudan. However, the game sprung to life at the 22nd minute when
Omar Kamal broke into the Sudan area, before unleashing a shot that was blocked by the Sudanese defense.

Few minutes after the half hour mark, Soulia brought out a wonderful save from goalkeeper Mustafa, with a powerful header from a corner. It came at some personal cost for the keeper, as he clattered into the post in the process, and eventually got substituted in the second half.

In the same passage of play, Mohamed Abdelmonem scored the game’s lone goal at the 35th minute.

Salah thrilled expectant fans with every touch of the ball and nearly got a goal for himself at the 62nd minute, when he shimmied through two players before goalkeeper Ali Aboueshren parried his shot out.

His opposite number (10) and Sudan’s captain – Mohamed Yousif who has been a silver lining in Sudan’s dismal tourney, had good touches himself and created a couple of half chances. Yousif drilled a set piece from range at the 83rd minute that was deflected, but El Shenewy got strong hands on it to keep the ball out. 1-0 it ended for Egypt, who continue their adventure in the competition. Nigeria defeated Guinea Bissau (2-0) to keep to spot in the group.