2019 AFCON Day 6 Wrap recaps all the action featuring Egypt, Nigeria and Uganda.
Group B:
Nigeria became the first side to qualify for the round of 16 following a narrow 1-0 victory over Guinea at the Alexandria stadium.
The first-half didn’t see many chances as both sides were quite cautious about going forward. However, Nigeria came into the second-half looking desperately for a goal.
Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi could have given his side the lead, but his powerful shot was brilliantly saved by Ibrahim Kone.
The Super Eagles managed to break the deadlock in the 73rd minute, when Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo converted Moses Simon’s corner into a goal with a very powerful header.
The victory sealed Nigeria’s place in the round of 16, while Guinea sit third with only one point from two games, with their final game taking place against Burundi on Sunday.
Group A:
Uganda were held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe at the Cairo international stadium to delay their qualification for the knockout rounds.
Simba SC striker Emmanuel Okwi opened the scoreline for Uganda after 12 minutes after tapping in Lumala Abdu’s powerful shot, which was saved by the Zimbabwe goalkeeper.
However, in the 40th minute, Al Ahly target Khama Billiat scored the equalizer after converting Ovidi Karuru’s low cross into the back of the net.
The draw forced Uganda to drop second with four points, while Zimbabwe remained third with only one point.
Uganda need at least a draw against hosts Egypt in their final group game in order to accompany the Pharaohs in the round of 16.
On the other hand, a victory for Zimbabwe against DR Congo will boost their chances in the best third-placed teams race.
Egypt have officially secured their pass towards the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 after defeating Group A rivals DR Congo 2-0.
The Pharaohs had won their opening game against Zimbabwe and a victory on Wednesday sealed their place in knockout stages.
Ahmed Elmohamady gave Egypt the lead after 25 minutes when he pounced on a loose ball, before firing home from close range.
Two minutes before the half-time whistle, Mohamed Salah secured the win with a composed finish following an impressive solo run and assist from Mahmoud Trezeguet.
Egypt have raised their point tally in Group A to six points on the top, followed by Uganda with four points with Zimbabwe and DR Congo occupying the third and fourth places.
Source: Starr Sports