MY ACCOUNT
Wednesday’s action at the Africa Cup of Nations sees Group D conclude with two heavyweights seemingly set for the knockout phase.
Egypt certainly have not been without their critics in this tournament, with the performances turned in by Carlos Queiroz’s men far from spectacular, but they remain on the brink of progression.
Assuming they get the job done, they will join Nigeria in the next round after the Super Eagles won both of their first two matches.
The two giants of AFCON football will be expected to prevail on Wednesday.
Guinea-Bissau v Nigeria (19:00 GMT)
Considering Nigeria have come into this tournament essentially under the guidance of a caretaker manager in Augustine Eguavoen, the Nigerian Football Federation’s technical director, they have made a very solid start.
They head into matchday three with six points from two games and have the chance to win all three first-round matches for the first time since 2006.
Nigeria will be massive favourites as well. Guinea-Bissau have never won an AFCON game in eight attempts, with only Benin (14), Mozambique (12) and Namibia (nine) playing more tournament matches without a single success.
Their issue this time around has been an obvious wastefulness in front of goal, failing to score from 16 shots that convert to an expected goals (xG) total of 2.2 – if they are goalless in this game, Guinea-Bissau will become the first team in AFCON history to go seven successive matches without scoring.
One to watch: Taiwo Awoniyi (Nigeria)
Union Berlin forward Awoniyi may be a relatively new face at international level, but he has looked a prominent threat for Nigeria. His nine shots over the first two games was more than twice as many as any other Super Eagles player, while his 14 touches in the opposition’s box is also the most of anyone in the squad. Still, one goal from 2.4 xG suggests he could sharpen up a little.
Egypt v Sudan (19:00 GMT)
A point will be enough for the Pharaohs to follow Nigeria into the knockouts, though their defeat to Eguavoen’s men means second place is the best they can hope for.
Egypt have looked every inch a side reliant on Mohamed Salah in this tournament, with his goal against Guinea-Bissau last time out breathing some life into their campaign.
While a draw will be enough for them, in reality only a win over Sudan will satisfy the expectations of supporters.
Sudan’s xG total (1.25) and xGA (expected goals against) of 3.17 are the worst of the four teams in Group D, and Egypt will hope to capitalise on their lack of defensive solidity and attacking threat.
One to watch: Ali Achrine (Sudan)
If Sudan are to stand any chance of beating Egypt and potentially going through to the knockout phase, goalkeeper Achrine will surely need to be in inspired form.
