Nigeria reserve goalkeeper Amas Obasogien carries Stanley Nwabali, who saved two penalties in a shoot-out victory over Egypt within the Africa Cup of Nations third place play-off. Photograph: AFP
CASABLANCA:
Ademola Lookman transformed the spot-kick that gave Nigeria a 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory over Egypt after a 0-0 draw on Saturday within the Africa Cup of Nations third place play-off.
Victory for the Tremendous Eagles in Casablanca adopted the frustration of shedding shoot-outs that price them probabilities to compete on the 2026 World Cup and within the 2025 AFCON last.
Nigeria misplaced on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo final November in a play-off for a spot within the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days in the past, they misplaced one other shoot-out to fail in opposition to hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained an ideal Nigerian file in third place AFCON matches after seven earlier play-offs victories.
Earlier than Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush each had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali earlier than Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six modifications and Nigeria 5 to the groups that began semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days in the past.
Captain Salah began for the Pharaohs whereas conventional first decisions in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and ahead Marmoush had been among the many substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, each former winners of the annual African participant of the 12 months award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that just about crammed the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled at any time when Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was proven on the large display screen.
This help for the Tremendous Eagles was attributed to the nice rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, each at nationwide crew and membership ranges.
Objectives disallowed
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a chilly, cloudy night within the Moroccan industrial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had damaged the impasse on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball together with his head previous goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
Nonetheless, a VAR evaluation by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The purpose was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was launched by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, changing Onuachu, and he had the ball within the web within the opening minute of the second interval. Nonetheless, the purpose was dominated out for offside.
Nigeria began after the break with a collection of assaults. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was pressured to make a number of saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did minimize in with the ball, the potential hazard was shortly averted. Marmoush got here on because the play-off handed the hour mark to attempt to enhance a blunt strike pressure.
However because the match entered the ultimate 10 minutes there was no signal of Osimhen being introduced on, suggesting he may not have been totally match.
In fast succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to attain, however neither might ship the completion underneath stress from opponents.
Salah then upset when provided a scoring alternative from a free-kick exterior the field. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
