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midfield failed to connect with him, while for Nigeria Leicester’s Iheanacho was having a field day in a slightly withdrawn number 10 role.