Egypt reached the quarterfinals at the African Cup of Nations with
a 2-0 win over Mozambique on Saturday, while Nigeria took a step
toward qualification by beating Benin 1-0.
Egypt tops the Group C standings with six points, three more
than Nigeria. Mozambique and Benin have one point each.
Nigeria will advance with a win against Mozambique in the
final group game. A draw will be enough if Benin loses to Egypt.
Mozambique defender Dario Khan scored an own-goal to put
Egypt in front in the 47th minute, and Egypt substitute Mohammed
Gedo scored from a left-footed volley in the 81st to complete the
win.
After missing an early chance for Nigeria, Everton forward
Yakubu Aiyegbeni converted a penalty just before halftime by
sending goalkeeper Rachad Chitou the wrong way.
"We expected a tough game but this has helped to build our
confidence," Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu said. "The good side is
that we showed our experience. We had to be cautious and guard
against any mistakes because they were capable of punishing us."
Amodu gave starts to Elderson Echiejile and Peter Odemwingie
at the expense of Taye Taiwo and Obinna Nwaneri, and solid
defending was the key to Nigeria's win.
Nigeria's Joseph Yobo blocked Razak Omotoyossi's dangerous
shot from the edge of the area in the 35th after Koukou's incisive
pass. Four minutes later, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Stephane
Sessegnon hit the crossbar for Benin with a 30-meter shot.
Nigeria, beaten 3-1 by Egypt in the group opener, could have
extended its lead in the 47th when defender Danny Shittu fired a
long-range shot toward goal but Chitou made the save.
Benin kept pushing the pace. Sessegnon's hard shot went wide
in the 53rd, and Nouhoum Kobena hit the crossbar two minutes later.
"The difference between the dream and reality for us was the
crossbar," Benin coach Michel Dussuyer said.
