Egypt qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2010 thanks to a 2-0 victory over Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.
A brace from the Pharaoh’s man of the moment, Mohamed Salah was all the seven-time champions needed to join the likes of Gabon (hosts), Morocco, Algeria, Cameroon and Senegal for next year’s finals.
A brace from the Pharaoh’s man of the moment, Mohamed Salah was all the seven-time champions needed to join the likes of Gabon (hosts), Morocco, Algeria, Cameroon and Senegal for next year’s finals.
Unbeaten in four matches, the Egyptians signed off in grand style with 10 points, eight more than Nigeria whilst Tanzania has just a point. Nigeria host Tanzania in the ultimate match of Group G in September.
Needing just a point to qualify for the AFCON finals for the first time after completing a hat-trick of triumphs between 2006 and 2010, Egypt started the game with high pace which saw Tanzania right-back Juma Abdul booked just a minute into kick-off. Mohamed Abdelshafy’s chance to score for the visitors was dealt with by Taifa Stars goalkeeper, Deo Munishi in the ninth minute.
The homers looked composed in defence and midfield, but were goal shy with just a short on target to show for in the opening minutes.
Egyptian midfielder Mohammed Elneny’s long range shot went wide on 18 minutes. With the Taifa Stars in control of the game, Thomas Ulimwengu fired wide five minutes later.
The visitors deployed a defensive approach with swift counter attacks. The host managed their first shot on target in the 29th minute but Elias Maguri’s header was denied by Egypt veteran goalkeeper Essam El Hadary whilst Belgium-based forward Mbwana Samatta also saw his shot deflected off an Egyptian defender two minutes later.
Needing just a point to qualify for the AFCON finals for the first time after completing a hat-trick of triumphs between 2006 and 2010, Egypt started the game with high pace which saw Tanzania right-back Juma Abdul booked just a minute into kick-off. Mohamed Abdelshafy’s chance to score for the visitors was dealt with by Taifa Stars goalkeeper, Deo Munishi in the ninth minute.
The homers looked composed in defence and midfield, but were goal shy with just a short on target to show for in the opening minutes.
Egyptian midfielder Mohammed Elneny’s long range shot went wide on 18 minutes. With the Taifa Stars in control of the game, Thomas Ulimwengu fired wide five minutes later.
The visitors deployed a defensive approach with swift counter attacks. The host managed their first shot on target in the 29th minute but Elias Maguri’s header was denied by Egypt veteran goalkeeper Essam El Hadary whilst Belgium-based forward Mbwana Samatta also saw his shot deflected off an Egyptian defender two minutes later.
Salah broke the deadlock a minute before the break from a free-kick at the edge of the Tanzania penalty area that left Munish with little option.
Tanzania resumed well and got an opportunity to draw level but Samatta blasted wide from the spot on 53 minutes after substitute Mohsen had fouled Himid Mao in the vital area.
Salah ended the Tanzania dream of qualifying for the AFCON for the first time since 1980, with the second goal finishing a counter move by Mohsen.
Tanzania fought for the remainder but failed to land even a consolation.
Tanzania resumed well and got an opportunity to draw level but Samatta blasted wide from the spot on 53 minutes after substitute Mohsen had fouled Himid Mao in the vital area.
Salah ended the Tanzania dream of qualifying for the AFCON for the first time since 1980, with the second goal finishing a counter move by Mohsen.
Tanzania fought for the remainder but failed to land even a consolation.
By: Cafonline.com
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