In an unexpected turn of events on the second day of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, football powerhouses Egypt, Nigeria, and Ghana faced setbacks in their opening matches.
The night unfolded with surprises, as anticipation for easy victories for these traditionally successful teams was met with unexpected challenges.
Nigeria, three-time AFCON champions in 1980, 1994, and 2013, had a lackluster start against Equatorial Guinea, securing a disappointing 1-1 draw in their opening match.
The Green Eagles’ performance left much to be desired, considering their prestigious history in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Egypt, a seven-time AFCON winner, faced an unexpected challenge against Mozambique.
Mohamed Salah salvaged a draw for the Pharaohs with a late penalty, but the overall performance of the team fell short of expectations.
The dissatisfaction among fans was palpable, especially given Mozambique’s status as a team not traditionally considered among the continent’s football giants.
The defending champions, Cape Verde, delivered a stunning blow to the Black Stars of Ghana, who have clinched the AFCON title four times.
In the 90th minute of the match, Cape Verde secured a goal, causing the Black Stars to face an unexpected defeat in their opening encounter.
The results of these matches have set the stage for an unpredictable and fiercely competitive AFCON 2012.
The tournament, hosted in Ivory Coast, promises more surprises and challenges for the football powerhouses, emphasizing the evolving dynamics and competitiveness within African football.
As the teams regroup for their upcoming fixtures, the football world eagerly awaits how these traditional giants will navigate the rest of the tournament.
