Mohammed Salah scored a late equaliser to rescue Egypt from defeat as they drew 1-1 in their third Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game against Nigeria.
Etebo Oghenekaro slotted past Ahmed El-Shennawi to give Samson Siasia’s side a deserved lead against the Pharaohs who were dogged in defence.
Kelechi Iheanacho hit the crossbar with a fierce shot and the Warri Wolves midfielder tuck home the rebound to north Africans’ dismay.
Nigeria thought they had won the game in the 90th minute when Salah beat the offside trap to fire past impressive Carl Ikeme to save Hector Cuper’s side from defeat.
Super Eagles continue to trail Group G leaders Pharaohs by two points, while Tanzania are back up to third in the table, three points adrift Egypt in the race to Gabon 2017.
Samson Siasia’s men struggled for rhythm in the early stages of the match as they often gave the ball away cheaply in the final third of the pitch, with Simon Moses being particularly wasteful when in an advanced position.
Egypt should have taken the lead when Ahmed Hassan was played behind the Eagles’ defence and put one-on-one with Ikeme but he couldn’t find the target firing his left-footed shot wide of the post.
The home side were looking dangerous and Cuper’s men were grateful to El-Shennawi who made a great block to deny Ahmed Musa’s goal-bound effort after the striker had found space inside the area.
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