Whilst the hosts suffered a first ever defeat against Nigeria on home soil in years, Egypt had to fight back twice to draw with Ghana, as Equatorial Guinea closed in on Afon 2023 knock-out stages by easing past a lack-lustre Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria took a huge step towards reaching the last 16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 win over hosts Ivory Coast in Group A. after William Troost-Ekong blast home from the penalty spot, after Ousmane Diomande caught Victor Osimhen in the box. Despite the Ivorians pushing hard for an equaliser, they failed to create a clear chance against a solid Super Eagles defence.
Emilio Nsue (pic) scored a first-half opener, in Equatorial Guinea’s 4-2 win over Guinea-Bissa - striking twice after the break for a first Afcon treble since 2008. As Esteban Orozco's own goal sent the sides in level at half-time, Josete Miranda's strike restored Equatorial Guinea's lead early in the second half. Ze Turbo netted a consolation for Guinea-Bissau in stoppage time.
In the late game, Egypt and Ghana produced a thumping thrill-a-minute encounter as Mohammed Kudus blasted in to put Ghana ahead in first-half stoppage time before Omar Marmoush quickly levelled. Kudus then restored the lead for the Black Stars with a deflected effort, but Mostafa Mohamed was on hand to stab in to give Egypt their second point and leave Ghana winless after two Group B games, after Chris Hughton's Ghana lost their opener against Cape Verde.
It leaves the four-time continental champions on the brink of a second successive group-stage exit from the African Cup of Nations finals. It also leaves the Pharaohs with great concern, as captain, Mohamed Salah, was forced off through injury.