OUT of the African Cup of Nations’ first eight group games played in Cameroon, six have ended 1-0. In a low-scoring tournament, goals are golden, and none more so than Kelechi Iheanacho’s well-struck goal on the half hour that separated the two sides in yesterday’s highly anticipated clash in group D between African heavyweights Nigeria and Egypt at the Roumde Adjia stadium in Garoua.

Though Egypt had more of the ball in a scrappy first half, it was manager Augustine Eguavoen’s Super Eagles who made their possession count, with winger Moses Simon a constant threat down Egypt’s right, where full-back Akram Tawfik had to be replaced by Mohamed Abdel Monem after an early injury.

Though manager Carlos Queiroz’s Pharaohs may boast the best player in the world, Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool forward was limited to just 14 touches in that half and cut an isolated figure as Egypt’s midfield failed to connect with him, while for Nigeria Leicester’s Iheanacho was having a field day in a slightly withdrawn number 10 role.

His goal came as no surprise, a dangerous Simon cross from the left eventually reaching Joe Aribo, who nodded down for the central Iheanacho to slam the ball into the top corner from inside the box.

Egypt’s bid to shift the battle a few yards up the pitch in the second half became a necessary risk, providing more possession in good areas but also leaving the back door open, with Simon, particularly, an ever-present threat on the break. 

At last, on 70 minutes, the firm Nigerian defence was parted a little by winger Zizo’s through-ball — but the ball came awkwardly to the central Salah, and as the towering Nigeria defenders closed in on the little maestro, he attempted an impromptu flick that was blocked by keeper Maduka Okoye.

It was the nearest the Pharaohs came, their challenge fizzling out as the minutes ticked by, supervised by a superior Nigerian side that defended watchfully, managed possession, pressed well and were a constant threat going forward.

In yesterday’s earlier group E game, defending champions Algeria and little-fancied Sierra Leone played out a goalless draw at the Stade de Japoma in Douala.

Disappointed Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi said: “I can’t say that I’m satisfied, the objective being to enter the competition well with the maximum number of points, but it wasn’t possible. But it’s not just the conditions, the heat and humidity — we had a brave opponent in front who left little room.”