- As Egypt risk elimination against Sudan
BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – Ahead of today’s final Group D match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau in Garoua, Ghana’s stunning group-stage elimination from the competition should serve as a warning to the Pharaohs of Egypt that history and pedigree may not be adequate weapons in football.
Though the Eagles have nothing to play for with a berth in the round of 16 already in their kitty, Guinea-Bissau are dreaming that they could potentially benefit from an upset victory over the Nigerian national team.
A four-point haul for the Djurtus would likely be enough for passage as one of the best third-place teams in the tournament.
However, similar to the predicament of Ghana’s Black Stars, seven times champions, Egypt still have work to do in securing passage to the Round of 16 from Group D.
Mohamed Salah-led side is in a solid position with three points in second place, but it needs to finish the job with a victory against Sudan. A loss to Sudan and a victory by Guinea-Bissau over Nigeria would see Egypt eliminated from the competition.
The best that Egypt can do is second place in Group D since Nigeria holds the head-to-head tiebreaker if they finished even on six points (1-0 Nigeria win in opening group-stage match).
The runner-up in Group D would secure a date against the top team from Group E, a spot currently occupied by Ivory Coast
Form
The Djurtus are winless in their last five games in all competitions while Nigeria maintains a five-game unbeaten streak, having started the tournament with back-to-back wins.
FIFA Ranking
According to the latest ranking in December 2021, Guinea-Bissau are placed 106th in the world and they are 24th on the continent while Nigeria, on the other hand, are ranked 36th on the global standings and fifth position in Africa.
Head-to-head
This encounter holding inside the Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua will be the first match between the two countries on the international scene.
Guinea-Bissau’s goal drought
The West Africans are without a goal after two games in Group D. Unfortunately for them, Mama Balde thought he had scored an 84th-minute equaliser against Egypt on Saturday but it was ruled out by VAR for an infringement in the build-up.
Guinea-Bissau have not scored a goal since September 2021 when they defeated Sudan 4-2 in a Fifa World Cup qualifying match.
AFCON Record
The Djurtus are making their third appearance on the AFCON stage in Cameroon and they have not progressed beyond the group stage in their history.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles are three-time champions and they are playing in their 19th AFCON tournament.
Group D Standings
After winning their first two matches, Nigeria top Group D with six points after two matches while the Djurtus sit in the third position with just a point following their goalless draw against Sudan on Tuesday, January 11, 2022
| Team | PTS | GP | W | L | D | GF | GA | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Nigeria – X | 6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 |
| 2. Egypt | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 3. Guinea-Bissau | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 |
| 4. Sudan | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 |
X = Qualified to Round of 16 | E = Eliminated – With Goal.com reports
