By Mark Ogagan
Nigeria beat Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shootout on Saturday at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Stadium to win a record 8th AFCON bronze medal after a goalless draw in regulation time.
No team has finished third at the men’s AFCON more often than Nigeria have: a remarkable eight times, which is as often as they have placed first and second combined.
The Super Eagles showed composure in the playoff match as it wrapped up its tournament run with a victory over the Pharaohs.
Nigeria’s heroes on the night were Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman who converted their kicks after Fisayo Dele-Bashiru had missed the opening kick. Rami Rabia and Mahmoud Sabah scored for Egypt.
Egypt came into the match after a 1-0 semifinal defeat to Senegal. The Pharaohs pushed for an equalizer in that game but failed to break through.
The final will be played Sunday at Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Morocco and Senegal will compete for the trophy.
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