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Egypt’s victory over Sudan sent five more countries, including Ivory Coast, to AFCON for the last 16.
The seven Egyptian champions took their place in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by defeating their neighbors Sudan 1-0, which also saw five more countries, including Ivory Coast, cross the line.
Meanwhile, Nigeria finished Group D with a third consecutive victory over Guinea-Bissau 2-0, leaving Egypt’s rivals to face Group E winners in the next round, as well as a possible clash with Ivory Coast.
Mohamed Abdelmonem’s goal from the corner just 10 minutes before half-time in Yaounde allowed the Pharaohs to cross and take Sudan, and Ivory Coast, Mali, Gambia, Malawi and Cape Verde could score without kicking the ball.
“I think Egypt should have won the game no doubt based on the chances we created and the football we played,” said Egypt coach Carlos Queiroz.
“Our sin was not scoring the second goal. If you score the second goal the game is over. I say clearly, if I can win all the games 1-0 to the end I will be happy. “
Egypt’s victory has made Cape Verde and Malawi two of the top three teams.
Ivory Coast lead Group E by four points and could finish bottom of the third round regardless of their results on Thursday against arch-rivals Algeria.
The same applies to Gambia and Mali in Group F – both sides have four points in two games.
Elsewhere, Nigeria, who won three times, advanced to the semi-finals by eliminating Guinea-Bissau with the help of second-half goals from Umar Sadiq and captain William Troost-Ekong.
Nigerian acting coach Augustine Eguavoen made eight changes to his team while the top spot was already secured, but it was Kelechi Iheanacho – the winner of the match against Egypt – who provided the cross for Sadiq in the 56th minute.
Moses Simon left the bench and played a key role in Nigeria’s second goal, twisting two defenders in the box before firing on a crossbar.
The Super Eagles will be in Garoua to play the third team on Sunday 16th.
Cape Verde will face Senegal’s Sadio Mane at Bafoussam on January 25, while Malawi will face Morocco the same day in Yaounde after the first time.
The remaining three chances will be announced Thursday after the final games in Group E and Group F.
Algeria, whose 35-match unbeaten streak was eliminated by Equatorial Guinea, must beat Ivory Coast in Douala to avoid a sudden exit once they have conceded just one point in two games.
The five-year-old champion in Cameroon is the host country for the 33-year African football tournament.
Following the group stage with 24 countries in the six categories ending on January 20, the last 16 will take place from January 23 to 26.
The final will take place on February 6 at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde.
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