Egypt edged out Sudan 1-0 in the t 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group D match at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé on Wednesday night..
As a result, the Pharaohs advanced to the Round of 16 after finishing second Group D, while the Falcons of Jediane are eliminated after finishing third on the group standings.
It proved to be an open game in the first 20 minutes, although neither side could create any clear cut openings.For Pharaohs, it has been a quite night for Mohamed Salah and Mostafa Mohamed, who have been getting no joy upfront against Sudan’s central defenders.
The same can be said about Sudan’s frontline, although Mohamed Abdelrahman showed a few neat touches in the middle of the park.
Although, Egypt failed to get a hold of posession during the middle of the park, as the Sudanese midfield came out on top in the midfield battle.
However, it was the Pharaohs who broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, as Abdallah El Said’s corner kick was headed in by Mohamed Abdelmonem, giving Sudan goalkeeper Mohamed Mustafa no chance.
Four minutes later Sudan had an effort on goal when Mazin Mohamedein tried his luck from range, but saw his attempt brilliantly saved by the keeper.
Egypt finished the stronger of the two sides when Salah met a deep cross at the back post, but his volley struck the side-netting from six-yards out to end the half.
Carlos Queiroz’s men began with more energy in the second half as Mohamed Elneny brought the best out Sudan keeper in the 54th minute after he tipped a powerful shot away from goal.
The play was at the other end of the park four minutes later when Mohamed El-Shennawy denied Mustafa Karshom from long range.
Egypt continued to threaten at the other end and went close twice in quick succession. First, in the 74th minute, Salah headed the ball just wide of goal. Then, a poor clearance from Mustafa Elfadni allowed Pharaohs to create another chance. Omar Marmoush’s shot went inches wide of the target.
Marwan Hamdi went close to scoring in the 89th minute, firing narrowly wide from just outside the box.
Egypt contained Sudan in the closing stages of the game and ultimately, they emerged 1-0 winners on the day.
How they lined-up:
Egypt: Mohamed El-Shennawi, Omar Kamal, Ahmed Hegazi, Mohamed Abdel-Moneim, Ayman Ashraf, Mohamed Elneny, Amr El-Sulaya, Abdallah El-Said, Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Mohamed
Sudan: Mohamed Mustafa, Mustafa Elfadni, Elsadig Hassan, Mustafa Karshom, Mazin Mohamedein, Mohamed Al-Rasheed, Walieldin Khidir, Dhiya Mahjoub, Mohamed Hasoon, Abdelrazig Omer, Mohamed Abdelrahman
