South Africa eliminated holders Egypt from the last 16 of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday. A smash-and-grab goal from Thembinkosi Lorch against the run of play late on was enough to leave Mohamed Salahand the Pharaohs stunned at the Cairo International Stadium.
Earlier, Nigeria reached the last eight after beating holders Cameroon 3-2 thanks to a brace from striker Odion Ighalo and a second-half winner from Arsenal playmaker Alex Iwobi.
Ighalo had given Nigeria an early lead, but goals from Stephane Bahoken and Clinton N'Jie in the space of three minutes had the Indomitable Lions in front by the break at Alexandria Stadium.
Saturday Results
- Nigeria 3-2 Cameroon
- Egypt 0-1 South Africa
Sunday Schedule
- Madagascar vs. Congo: 6 p.m. local time, 5 p.m. BST, 12 p.m. ET
- Algeria vs. Guinea: 9 p.m. local time, 8 p.m. BST, 3 p.m. ET
It was a true contrast of styles as Egypt passed their way through South Africa at will. Quality distribution and pace off the ball were creating chances aplenty for the Pharaohs, with Salah getting in behind at will.
However, South Africa stayed stubborn at the back and direct going forward. Long balls over the top and a barrage of set-pieces were enough to keep the home faithful unsettled.
Mohamed El-Shenawy was drawn into a fine save from a corner, but Egypt soon reasserted control against Bafana Bafana after the break. Salah, winger Trezeguet and Arsenal playmaker Mohamed Elneny were breaking from midfield and taking shots on early.
At the height of the pressure, though, another long ball out of defence sent Lebo Mothiba clear. He wisely teed up Lorch who calmly converted to roll down the shutters on Egypt's campaign:
Nigeria looked in firm control once Ighalo bundled in a scrappy finish after just 19 minutes. However, Cameroon didn't wilt after going a goal behind and instead piled on the pressure with some slick passing and quick movement.
An enterprising approach was rewarded four minutes before the break when Angers forward Bahoken equalised when he reacted quickest to meet Christian Bassogog's pinpoint delivery.
Bahoken was heavily involved again when Cameroon took the lead one minute before half time: His flick put N'Jie in, and the Marseille man made no mistake.
While the Indomitable Lions had shown tremendous powers of recovery, some questioned the will to win of the Eagles.
However, Nigeria's second-half response dispelled any such notions. Ighalo added his second before Iwobi helped his nation retake the lead shortly after the hour mark'
The Eagles had not only shown the resolve to stage a comeback, they also had enough grit to preserve the slender lead they had regained. Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi stood out as key members of a stubborn rearguard action.
Their efforts proved enough for Nigeria to see out the result, despite a few late scares. It means a team that still looks as though it could go up a gear or two will be feared in the last eight.
By contrast, Cameroon have barely looked imposing as holders, and a quick exit seems fitting.
AFCON 2019: Saturday's Round of 16 Bracket Results, Latest Schedule''
Reviewed by Mr. Poster
on
12:15:00 am
Rating:
No comments:
thanks for your comment. We'll notify you when someone reacts to your comment.