CASABLANCA — Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has labeled the Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff against Nigeria as a mere “formality” following his side’s penalty shootout defeat on Saturday.
Despite failing to secure the bronze medal, Hassan expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, noting that the Pharaohs exceeded expectations by reaching the final weekend of the tournament.
“Facing Nigeria was certainly a formality, but we were aiming for third place and we lost on penalties,” Hassan told Fil Goal. “Despite that, I am satisfied with the performance.
“Nwabali Shines in Tactical StalemateThe match remained deadlocked at 0-0 after 90 minutes of regulation time, with both sides missing key opportunities to break the tie.
In the ensuing shootout, Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero, saving two crucial spot-kicks from Egyptian superstars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
Nigeria’s victory (4-2 on penalties) came even as coach Eric Chelle opted to rotate his squad, resting high-profile starters such as Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Frank Onyeka.
Nigeria Extends Record DominanceWith this win, the Super Eagles have further cemented their legacy as the most successful team in AFCON third-place history.
Nigeria has now secured the bronze medal nine times (winning all eight playoffs they have contested), a record unmatched by any other nation.