With Egypt draw, Dream Team miss chance to book Rio ticket

Nigeria U-23 team played a 2-2 draw against Egypt, who fought back to earn a point on Wednesday at the CAF U-23 championship in Senegal.

Oghenakaro Etebo scored from the penalty spot in the 21st minute, to give Nigeria the lead after Egypt captain Ramy Moustapha, was wrongly adjudged to have handled the ball from a Stanley Dimgba cross.

The Dream Team VI started the game the brighter side, keeping possession for long spells.

Etebo scored again from the spot in 30th minute after Usman Mohammed’s shot was touched by another Egypt defender.

The North African team got back into the game in the second half with a goal in the 46th minute, as Ahmed scored a header.

Nigeria’s defence was still shaky with little improvement from the first game against Mali after Coach Samson Siasia dropped Kano Pillars defender Zaharadeen Bello for Chizoba Amaefule.

The Pharaohs threatened further and equalised on 51 minutes through Karim’s effort from the right flank, which was deflected in by Taiwo Awoniyi.

Both teams pushed for a winner but the game ended in stalemate.

Algeria, who beat Mali 2-0 in the earlier game of the day, are now top of the group with four points and with a better goals difference than the Eagles.

Egypt are third with two points, while Mali have already been eliminated from the competition with no point.

Nigeria will battle Algeria in Dakar on Saturday, while Egypt takes on Mali in an attempt to secure semifinal tickets.