That’s it, the first cleaver matches are arriving. After their poor performances during the first group matches of this African Cup of Nations, Ghana, Nigeria and Egypt already have their backs against the wall, while Ivory Coast is rather calmly considering their duel against Victor Osimhen and the Super Eagles .
Fact of the day: The Umar Sadiq case
Real Sociedad won the Spanish Cup against Osasuna on Wednesday. So far, nothing unusual. Except that, in the 75th minute of play, Umar Sadiq entered. However, a few days ago, the Nigerian striker withdrew from the CAN because of a knee injury. This aroused the incomprehension of many supporters, as well as that of coach Jose Peseiro, at a press conference.
” What can I say ? I have seen the medical report that says he is injured and that he will not recover for at least two weeks, and maybe more. Nobody said anything to me. No one told me he could recover in five days. The report was sent to his club and the club said he had to come back to recover. They even talked about the possibility of surgery. I am happy to see that he has recovered well. I’m sad because he’s not here to help us. »
Match of the day: Ivory Coast-Nigeria
On the one hand, the serene Ivory Coast, strong from its convincing victory against Guinea-Bissau in the opening match (2-0) and which is pushed by an entire people. On the other, Nigeria, a selection with crazy offensive potential but which is still struggling to get going, like the improbable draw against Equatorial Guinea (1-1). The Super Eagles are already under pressure, from the second group match, played this Thursday at the Alassane-Ouattara stadium (6 p.m.).
“It’s not easy to play with the Nigeria jersey,” José Peseiro said at a press conference. Maybe the players were under pressure. They need to stay calm. In the last few matches, we created a lot of chances. We must not change and stay with our momentum. » For this crucial meeting, Peseiro should line up a trio of Simon, Lookman and Osimhen. Moffi should remain on the bench.
Player of the day: Mohamed Salah
Egypt and Ghana, eleven African Cup winners between them, are already in difficulty at the CAN before their explosive duel this Thursday in Abidjan (9 p.m.). The Pharaohs came close to disaster on Sunday, Mo Salah only equalizing from the penalty spot in added time against Mozambique (2-2), who have never won a single match in five appearances in the World Cup. ‘Africa. “We were not the best team before the draw and we are not the worst team now,” said Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria.
But time is running out for the Liverpool player (31), who still cannot win with his selection. He lost the 2017 and 2022 CAN finals, and even failed in the play-offs for the last World Cup. However, he saved his homeland against Mozambique, and he knows what he has to do against the Ghana of another legend, André Ayew, who could equal the record for matches played at the CAN with a 36th meeting, as the Cameroonian Rigobert Song.
Supporter of the day
