Dream Team IV under pressure of qualification after 2-2 draw with Egypt

Almost reminiscent of the first encounter with Mali’s U-23 team whic almost completed a comeback from 3-0, the Young Pharoahs of Egypt, accomplished their task comeback task as they cancelled a two-goal lead by Nigeria’s Dream Team, Wednesday, to pile pressure on Samson Siasia’s boys.

Egypt fought back from two goals down to hold Nigeria to a 2-2 draw in the on-going U-23 AFCON Group B match in Mbour to stay alive in the tournament.

In the earlier match of the day, Algeria beat Mali 2-0 and are now top of the standings with four points and a better goals difference than Nigeria.

Egypt are third with two points, while Mali are pointless and have already been eliminated from the competition, which doubles as a qualifier for next year’s Rio Olympics.

On Saturday, Nigeria will battle Algeria in Dakar, while Egypt take on Mali to determine the semi-finalists.

Substitute Karim plotted Egypt remarkable fight back after halftime as within minutes of the restart Egypt pulled a goal back through Ramdan Sobi’s header from inside the six-yard box.

They then drew level in the 52nd minute when Karim dashed down the right flank before he delivered a low cross which was sliced by Nigeria defender Chizoba Amaefule into his own net.

Nigeria goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel pulled off at least three big saves to ensure his team shared the points on the night.

If Egypt shone in the second half, the first half belonged to Nigeria.

Two well-taken penalties by Oghenekaro Etebo got Dream Team VI going.

Etebo doubled Nigeria’s advantage after half an hour when another Egyptian defender handled the ball inside his box as Usman Mohammed went for goal.

Nigeria bossed the possession and the defence which looked shaky and not assured against Mali on Sunday held out until the second half after coach Samson Siasia dropped Kano Pillars defender Zaharadeen Bello for Amaefule.