Rabat, Morocco – Egypt missed out on the bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations after losing to Nigeria 4-2 on penalties, following a goalless draw in regulation time. The match took place on Saturday evening at the Mohammed V Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, as part of the third-place playoff.
The match started strongly from both sides, and the 27th minute witnessed the most dangerous chance for the Egyptian team, when Mohamed Hany sent a perfect cross from the right flank, which Mohamed Salah met with a direct shot that goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili brilliantly saved.
Nigeria responded by scoring in the 36th minute through Akor Adams. However, the referee disallowed the goal after consulting VAR, ruling that Paul Onuachu had elbowed Hamdi Fathi. The first half ended in a goalless draw.
In the second half, the Nigerian team intensified its attacking pressure, with its most notable attempts coming from Ademola Lookman on the left flank, without posing a real threat.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian team responded with a powerful shot from Imam Ashour in the 60th minute that went just over the crossbar.
The attempts continued until the end of the match without scoring, so the two teams resorted to penalty kicks, which the Nigerian team won with a score of 4-2, after Rami Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored for Egypt.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush missed their penalties, allowing Nigeria to win the bronze medal.
⏯️🔥 شاهد ركلات الترجيح بين مصر ونيجيريا
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— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) January 17, 2026
