A first half header from Mohamed Abdelmonem put Egypt up in the first half and the Pharaohs held off Sudan to secure second place in Group D at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Wednesday’s result means that Egypt will face the winner of Group E in the Round of 16, which could be any of Ivory Coast, Algeria, Sierra Leone or Equatorial Guinea. Sudan are eliminated with one point from their three matches.
Despite the victory, Egyptian supporters continue to be concerned with a lack of attacking prowess in the team and expected a more decisive win. The unfancied Sudanese side immediately made their presence known in the 3rd minute thanks to the efforts of forward Mohamed Abdelrahman. Returning from injury, the Al-Hilal Omdurman striker broke out into space and eventually set up Mohamed Hussein only for him to hit a poor effort high and wide.
From then on it was Egypt on the attack. Mostafa Mohamed had a couple of opportunities to score with his head but nodded wide in 5th minute and saw his effort off a corner kick saved by keeper Mohamed Mustafa in the 33rd. However, a couple of minutes later the breakthrough came for the favorites. Abdelmonem was able to wrestle himself away from Hussein and met Abdallah El Said’s corner kick with a firm header past Mustafa for the Future FC defender’s first ever goal for Egypt.
Egypt dominated the ball throughout and pushed for a second goal after halftime, but continued to pull away from the Sudanese. Al Ahly midfielder Amir El Solia unleashed a blast that was deflected just wide early in the second half and then had a golden opportunity set up by Salah only to shoot high and wide in the 65th minute.
Sudan nearly found a shock equalizer with their only shot on goal of the match. In the 80th minute, Abdelrahman drove a low direct free kick towards the Egyptian goal that was deflected before Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy spilled the ball. However, El Shenawy got out just in time to close down and block Mustafa Karshoum’s rebound attempt.
Highlights of the match are below.
Abdelmonem heads home for the opener
Sudan nearly finds a surprise equalizer
