Nigeria clinch AFCON bronze after penalty shootout win over Egypt

Goal reported that Nigeria beat Egypt 4-2 on penalties in Casablanca to claim a record-extending Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal after a goalless draw in regulation time.

The shootout saw Fisayo Dele-Bashir miss Nigeria's opening kick before Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman converted; for Egypt, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush missed while Rami Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored. Stanley Nwabali, who was once on the radar of Kaizer Chiefs, denied Salah and Marmoush and proved the difference.

During the match Nigeria had two goals ruled out: Akor Adams' 36th-minute header was cancelled after a VAR review and Ademola Lookman's 46th-minute strike was ruled out for offside. Egypt had early periods of dominance but failed to convert several chances, a VAR check for a penalty after Marmoush went down in the 82nd minute was dismissed, and Nigeria made enforced changes when Bright Osayi-Samuel was replaced by Iwobi in the 65th minute and Semi Ajayi was substituted by Chidozie Awaziem in added time.

The victory continues Nigeria's perfect record in AFCON third-place playoffs — they had contested seven third-place matches and won all before this — and attention now turns to the final on Sunday between Senegal and hosts Morocco.

Key Topics

Sports, Nigeria, Egypt, Stanley Nwabali, Mohamed Salah, Afcon