The "Green Eagles" flew over the pyramids with ease, masters of the ball, much more powerful physically and incisor.

Nigeria produced the title contenders' best impression in the most interesting game since the start of the competition, despite a duller final half hour.

Unleashed in his left lane, Nantes winger Moses Simon in particular showed all the colors to the "Pharaohs".

One of his irresistible climbs brought the Nigerian goal, signed Kelechi Iheanacho, a control-recovery sequence in the top corner (30th) on a nice pass from Joe Aribo, from the head.

The Nigerian number 10 had already served Moses Simon for the first opportunity, a strike in the side-net (27 ').

The Nantes player has constantly passed his right-back, Mohamed Abdel Monem, who came into play in the 12th minute, Akram Tawfik having injured himself in a collision with Simon.

For Egypt, seven times African champion, it is a new disillusionment after the nightmare of elimination at home from the round of 16 by South Africa, during the previous edition.

Salah misses his only chance

This first shock was played in a well-filled Roumdé Adjia stadium, a celebration after all its almost empty stadiums, the public being discouraged by the requests for sanitary passes.

The Nigerian border is only twenty kilometers from Garoua, many green supporters have come.

Egypt star Mohamed Salah is surrounded by two Nigerian players in the CAN group D match in Garoua, January 11, 2022 Daniel BELOUMOU OLOMO AFP

Mo Salah, the Liverpool star, was very disappointing, touching him only 14 balls in the first period.

The Eagles' talons did not loosen after the break, a header from Taiwo Awoniyi almost deceived goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy (50th).

But Nigeria, despite their many chances, didn't kill the game and let Egypt get back into the game a bit, or rather get into it.

Salah missed his only opportunity, losing his duel with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye (71st).

The Egyptians also hoped for a penalty when Simon stumbled unbalanced Ahmed Sayed "Zizo" (80th), but the referee did not blow his whistle, a decision confirmed by the VAR.

But Carlos Queiroz's men did not deserve to take a point after such a lackluster performance.

At the start of the match, twice it was necessary to replace the ball (19th), deflated, like the Pharaohs.

© 2022 AFP