Nigeria and Egypt had to make do with a point each in their group B encounter yesterday in the African U-23 competition.
In what is shaping up to be a tricky group, Egypt had it all to do to keep their qualification hopes alive having secured just one point in their opening game.
All the odds appeared stacked against Egypt as they quickly conceded two penalties in the first half and found themselves on the wrong end of a 2-0 drubbing.
By the end of the first half, the game looked to be as good as over. However, just like a repeat of Nigeria’s first encounter, a frail defence meant that the dream team conceded a goal just as the second half began.
Before the half hour mark, the Egyptians had drawn level and it was to remain the final score.
Egypt know that any realistic chances of qualification will require them beating Mali and hoping all other results go their way. Nigeria will require just a draw to proceed.