CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) — Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved two penalties, including the first from Mohamed Salah, as Nigeria beat Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shootout for third place in the Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.
Ademola Lookman scored the winning penalty.
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Salah and Omar Marmoush had their spot kicks saved by Nwabali early in the shootout after the teams drew 0-0 in regulation time. No overtime was played for the consolation of a bronze medal.
This was the Super Eagles’ second consecutive penalty shootout following a scoreless draw after lose the semi-final against Morocco on penalties on Wednesday.
Nwabali produced a strong hand to stop a well-executed Salah penalty, then thwarted Marmoush’s effort straight down the middle with his foot.
Salah was kept quiet by the Nigerian defenders and was unable to add to his tally of 11 African Cup goals.
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Victor Osimhen remained on Nigeria’s substitute bench, suggesting he was suffering from an injury resulting from the semi-final defeat to Morocco. Osimhen was sent off during extra time of this match just before the penalty shootout.
The Super Eagles ended the Africa Cup on a positive note unlike the last edition, where they lost in the final to welcome Ivory Coast.
Morocco and Senegal play the final in Rabat on Sunday. Sadio Mané’s goal was enough to bring Senegal through with a 1-0 victory against Egypt in the semi-final.
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AP at the African Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
