Nigeria will be seeking a round of 16 place at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations when they take on the Falcons of Jediane at the Roumdé Adjia Stadium on Saturday.

The Super Eagles began their campaign with a dominant win over Egypt. Although the scoreline was just 1-0, the three-time AFCON kings were in total control from start to finish against an Egypt side led by arguably the best player in the world right now in Mohamed Salah.

Up next for Austin Eguavoen’s men is Sudan, who drew 0-0 in their opening game against Guinea-Bissau. The Super Eagles go into the game as the massive favourites and will be confident in their chances of getting the win.

Head-to-head 

Nigeria have a superior h2h against Sudan, with the Super Eagles losing just twice in 14 previous games. The Super Eagles have won eight times and drawn four games against the Falcons of Jediane.

Sudan’s two wins came in 1963- their first meeting in the AFCON- and 2014. The Super Eagles have won six of the last seven games against Saturday’s opponents.

Team News

Nigeria have no injury worries aside from Chidozie Awaziem, who missed the game against Egypt. Awaziem is currently out with an ankle injury.

Kenneth Omeruo was taken off against Egypt with an injury, but he should take his place in the lineup after training with his teammates on Thursday.

Sudan has no major injury worries either, but coach Burhan Tia may make one or two changes from the side that played against Guinea-Bissau.

Nigeria’s possible XI

Super Eagles coach is likely to stick with the same side that beat Egypt, although he may be tempted to bring in Chidera Ejuke for Samuel Chukwueze.

Striker Gabadinho Mhango scored a brace as Malawi came from behind to beat Zimbabwe 2-1 in an exciting TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations match played at the Stade Omnisports de Bafoussam on Friday.

The COSAFA rivals were looking to salvage their campaign in Group B following defeats in their opening matches.

The two sides went for each other in the opening minutes of the game with action at both ends of the pitch.

Malawi’s Stanley Sanudi had an early chance to put the Flames ahead but his right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right missed the target from Richard Mbulu cross.

Then Zimbabwe’s Gerald Takwara failed to hit the target with an attempt from very close range via a Knowledge Musona with a cross.

Francisco Madinga came close to putting his name of the score sheet but was unfortunate to see his long range strike from outside the box hit the woodwork.

Malawi coach Meck Mwase was forced into making an early change bringing on Lawrence Chaziya to replace Limbikani Mzava who sustained an injury.

Zimbabwe eventually broke the deadlock moments before the end of the first half with Ishmael Wadi heading in from a pin point cross by Onismor Bhasera. But the lead did not last very long as Gabadinho Mhango struck from close range to level matters.

The score was 1-1 at half-time.

The second half begun as the first with a lot intensity in attack. Malawi almost went ahead with Francisco Madinga hitting the post for the second time in the match.

Malawi took the lead with Gabadinho Mhango getting his brace with another fine finish in the box. The Orlando Pirates man calmly slotting the ball past keeper Petros Mhari.

Zimbabwe coach Norman Mapeza, in an attempt to search for the equalizer brought on Admiral Muskwe to replace captain Knowledge Musona.

Malawi held on to claim three points ahead of the final group match against Senegal on Tuesday in Bafoussam. Zimbabwe tackle Guinea in Yaounde.

What they said

Gabadinho Mhango, TotalEnergies Man of the Match:

“We are delighted to have got our first win and on an individual capacity I feel honoured to be named man of the match.It was not an easy game considering Zimbabwe were a very good side. The tournament has been exciting and performing well at such a stage is both fulfilling and exciting and I want to thank my fellow players for the hardwork we all put in achieving the important win”.

Meck Mwase, Coach Malawi

“We are so delighted to have won our first game in what was a tough game.We begun the match slowly conceding a quick goal but that did not deter us as we fought relentless to come back and win the game. After our first loss we never gave up but went back to work on our previous mistake and today it paid off handsomely and I am proud of our players for that fantastic performance.”

Norman Mapeza, Coach, Zimbabwe

“Our game management failed us today as we lost very easy balls and conceded easy goals.We had a good game plan but the players never followed the instructions to the latter. I feel disappointed but we have taken important lessons and we have also got positives from the game against Malawi and also Senegal. We will go back to the drawing board to plan on our next match which is a formality but we would be glad to get positive results against Guinea and go home with something to console us “.

The most anticipated top of the table clash in Group B involving West African Giants Senegal and Guinea ended in a goalless draw in their second match of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations at the Stade Omnisports de Bafoussam on Friday.

Liverpool teammates Sadio Mane and Naby Keita were playing on opposite ends with both players who were captaining their respective teams, looked to send their country into the Round of 16 having won their opening Group Matches with similar 1-0 scorelines.

Guinea came out of the blocks early with Ilaix Moriba having the first attempt of the game from a set piece but the effort was way off target.

Senegal responded quickly with Bouna Sarr seeing his shot blocked from outside the penalty area.

Seny Dieng the Senegal goal keeper denied Guinea what should have been the opening goal of the match. Morgan Guilavogui saw his right footed shot from the six yard box saved by Dieng at point blank range after good square pass by Ilaix Moriba.

The first half ended goalless with the Syli Nationale of Guinea edging the possession.

The second half started with Senegal looking more stronger of the two and doing more attacking. First it was Cheikhou Kouyaté attempting a header from a set piece by Bouna Sarr. Then just moments later Abdou Diallo’s header which was destined to the top left corner was saved by Guinea Goalkeeper Aly Keita.

The Teranga Lions kept pushing Guinea to the limit with persistent pressure. Bouna Sarr nearly broke the deadlock after being fed by from skipper Sadio Mane but his effort went agonizingly wide of the left post.

Guinea Coach Kaba Diawara looked to soak the pressure from the Senegalese team by switching things up. Ibrahima Sory Conté came in for Ilaix Moriba in midfield.

Aliou Cisse responded by bringing on an attacking player Mouhamadou Diallo to replace Mame Thiam.

In the end both teams couldn’t find an opening and will have to wait for their final matches on Tuesday to qualify for the Round of 16. Senegal will remain in Bafoussam where they will play the flames of Malawi while Guinea and Zimbabwe will travel to Yaounde with their tie set for the Ahmadou Ahijo Stadium.

What they said

Kaba Diawara (Coach, Guinea)

“We came to carry the three points but we are contented with the single point as Senegal came back to the second half looking very strong and determined. It was a tough match but I am happy the reconstruction I have been doing to the team paid off considering we played a very formidable side respected in Africa. We created dangerous situations and our efficiency was very commendable now we go back and prepare for the last game in the group”.

Aliou Cisse (Coach, Senegal)

“I am satisfied with the draw today against Guinea as we came back stronger in the second half unlike the first half where we were not perfect. Guinea played a perfect game and we have to commend them but now we go back and work to ensure we get three points from our next opponents Malawi. The competition has good teams and even though many people expect us to win all games our ambitions remain the same and we want to build from the draw

Nigeria – Sudan

After claiming 3 points in their thrilling Group D opener which saw them drown the Pharaohs of Egypt; courtesy a clean finish from Kelechi Iheanacho, who scored the only goal of the game, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have shifted their focus to their next match, against Sudan. 

Unlike their opposition, the Falcons of Jediane head into the game with a 0 – 0 stalemate from the face-off with Guinea-Bissau in their first fixture of AFCON 2021.

Both Nigeria and Sudan have met 14 times in the past with the Super Eagles clinching eight wins, drawing four and losing twice to the Sudanese side. 

A win would give Nigeria six points from two group matches and guarantee their qualification for the round of the 16.

Can the three-time African champions keep up their debut momentum or will the Falcons pull a surprise on them?

Super Eagles vice captain states target for the game against Sudan

The Sudanese have not done anything of note since their triumph at the 1970 AFCON, and Nigeria are huge favourites going into the tie.

Ahead of the game, Super Eagles defender Troost-Ekong has stated that they will improve on some of their deficiencies in the Egypt game and give a solid performance against the Falcons.

“Expect a very fiery team,” Troost-Ekong said after yesterday’s training session.

The Sudanese have not done anything of note since their triumph at the 1970 AFCON, and Nigeria are huge favourites going into the tie.

Ahead of the game, Super Eagles defender Troost-Ekong has stated that they will improve on some of their deficiencies in the Egypt game and give a solid performance against the Falcons.

“Expect a very fiery team,” Troost-Ekong said after yesterday’s training session.

“We’ve raised the bar for how we should play for the tournament, and the good thing about tournament football is that you have so many games shortly after each other, but the idea is always to improve on the previous game.”

“There are some things we could do better from the game against Egypt, so we will focus on that,” he added.

The kick-off is set for 5 pm, and the game will be played in the same stadium that Nigeria beat Egypt- Stade Omnisport Roumde Adija.

Gabon scored a controversial late goal against Ghana to draw their Africa Cup of Nations Group C match 1-1.

The result puts Gabon, missing captain Pierre Emereck Aubameyang with ‘heartt lesions on the verge of the last 16.

Andre Ayew had put Ghana in front in the 18th minute, but his strike was cancelled out by Jim Allevinah’s 88th-minute equaliser.

Ghana, now facing a nervous final game, were angry Gabon failed to return the ball after an injury to their player.

Daniel-Kofi Kyere had gone down following a challenge inside the Gabon half but, from the resulting throw-in, Guelor Kanga played the ball to Allevinah, who struck a low left-footed shot across Jojo Wollacott and into the bottom right-hand corner.

Ayew protested to referee Lahlou Benbraham about the goal to no avail and scuffles broke out when Gabon celebrated at full-time.

Ghana substitute Benjamin Tetteh was shown a red card after the final whistle for his part in the on-pitch melee.

Scrappy game leaves Ghana needing final-game victory

Ghana were under pressure in the opening moments of the game, with Swindon Town keeper Wollacott and his defenders struggling with communication, but the Black Stars grabbed the lead when Ayew put them in front with a magnificent strike.

Receiving the ball well outside the area, he controlled it, made space and fired home for his 10th goal at Nations Cup finals.

Ayew, sporting a prominent dressing over his left eye from the head injury he suffered in his side’s defeat by Morocco, celebrated almost angrily as he tried to inspire his team-mates.

After their opening flurry, the Panthers rarely created much until almost an hour played, when Wollacott made a smart save to deny Allevinah, who was inches short of poking home.

The game barely flowed and neither side was able to take a grip, but it was played in a lively atmosphere in Yaounde with fans of both teams making themselves heard.

Gabon striker Aaron Boupendza, scorer of their winner against Comoros, had a couple of shots blocked.

The Panthers need a point to reach the last 16 when they face Morocco in their final group match on Tuesday while Ghana will take on winless Comoros, needing victory to remain in with a chance of progressing.

What they said

Andre Ayew (Captain, Ghana – Man of the Match)

“I hope we win the next game against Comoros; four points will be enough to move on. We are Ghana and we will win the next game, God willing.”

Patrice Neveu (Coach, Gabon)

“We did not play well in the first half, like the first game. In the second half we were more offensive, and we trusted ourselves. I think the draw is a fair result. We missed many players, but Ghana didn’t dominate us.”

Milovan Rajevac (Coach, Ghana)

“It was a difficult and competitive game. We were supposed to end the match winning, but as in the first game we lost concentration. I think in the next game we will do better and we will be able to collect the three points to move on to the next stage. We need to stay focused and be strong-minded to move on.”