AFCON 2017 Qualifiers: Egypt Thrash Chad to Go Top of Group G
By BBC Sport Africa
Egypt delivered a commanding performance away from home on Sunday, defeating Chad 5-1 in N’Djamena to take control of Group G in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Despite playing in front of a home crowd, Chad were outclassed from the opening whistle as the Pharaohs demonstrated their intent early and never looked back. Egypt struck first in just the second minute and continued to dominate throughout the match.
Striker Bassem Morsi was the star of the afternoon, scoring a clinical hat-trick with goals in the 2nd, 25th, and 62nd minutes. The Zamalek forward tormented the Chadian defence with his positioning and finishing, setting the tone for a lopsided encounter.
Mohamed Salah added to the scoreline in the 40th minute, capping a fluid team move with a cool finish. Mahmoud Kahraba made it 5-1 just after the hour mark, converting in the 56th minute to deepen the hosts’ misery.
Chad did manage to momentarily lift their spirits with a goal in the 37th minute from captain Leger Djimrangar Haroum, who took advantage of a lapse in the Egyptian defence to slot home. However, it proved to be only a consolation in an otherwise one-sided affair.
Egypt’s performance was a clear statement of intent as they aim to return to the top of African football following a disappointing run in recent AFCON campaigns, including failing to qualify for three consecutive tournaments since 2012.
With this emphatic win, the Pharaohs move to the top of Group G, overtaking Nigeria on goal difference. Nigeria had earlier managed a narrow win over Tanzania, giving Egypt the advantage heading into the next rounds of qualifying.
Coach Héctor Cúper will be pleased not only with the result but also the balance shown across the pitch. The attacking trio of Morsi, Salah, and Kahraba combined brilliantly, while the midfield controlled the tempo with confidence and discipline.
Egypt, seven-time continental champions, appear to have rediscovered their form and are now strong favourites to top the group and secure a place at the 2017 finals in Gabon.
Chad, meanwhile, remain at the bottom of the group, with two defeats from two games and their qualification hopes fading quickly. They face a steep challenge ahead as they look to salvage pride in the remaining fixtures.
The Pharaohs will next face Nigeria in a highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash that could go a long way in deciding who qualifies directly from Group G.
