Nigeria, Benin, Egypt, and Mozambique will all be seen in action on this day, and all teams will have strong motives to be victorious.
Nigeria vs Benin – 2010 Africa Cup of Nations Match Preview
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will meet Benin on at the Estadio do Benguela, as both teams strive for an increment of points on match-day 2 of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, in Group C. This game will take place at 16:00 GMT.
Nigeria Analyses
Nigeria are currently at the bottom of their table without a single point, following their disappointing 3-1 loss to Egypt on January 12. The Nigerians have their group’s poorest record so far in terms of goals scored, due to the fact they have only been able to place the ball at the back of the net once.
The Super Eagles are however strong contenders in this tournament, and as a top team, they would not want to suffer an early exit. Anyway, such a danger isn’t too close to them at the moment, but it could face them if ever they were to dissatisfy again in their next game against Benin.
Normally, in a fixture similar to this one, anyone could set his eyes on key players such as Yakubu, Mikel Obi, or even Kalu Uche; but being his team’s only goal scorer at the moment, the striker Chinedu Obasi Ogbuke could carry a heavy load of expectations on his shoulders.
Unfortunately, forward Obafemi Martins will not be featuring for Nigeria in their match against Benin because of his trip to Europe, which was allowed by the Nigerian Football Association for medical reasons.
Martins – who previously underwent surgery a few months ago – is said to be feeling pains in his right chin, and therefore requires a new operation.
This bad news somehow weakens the Super Eagles’ front, yet it certainly will not be a valid reason for Nigerian fans to accept another defeat from their side.
A draw against Benin might be adequate depending on both sides’ performances, but in reality, 3 points would be ideal for their position in the standings of Group C.
Benin
Benin drew their first game in the Africa Cup of Nations 2-2 against Mozambique; hence, they have only one point in their table. They occupy the second place 2 points behind Egypt, but could simplify their way through the knockout phase with a victory over Nigeria.
The Squirrels of Benin could once again benefit from their leading players including Stephane Sessegnon, and especially Razak Omotoyossi, who got his name on the scoring sheet for his country on match-day 1 of the tournament.
Egypt vs Mozambique – 2010 Africa Cup of Nations Match Preview
Egypt vs Mozambique will be the last fixture in Group C of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola on match-day 2. This game is scheduled to start at 18:30 GMT, at the Estadio do Benguela.
Egypt
Egypt were 3-1 winners over Nigeria on January 12, and to be fair, it wasn’t just any kind of victory. It was a win that showed a lot of positivity from the Egyptian side, and it widely highlighted their desire to emerge as African champions for a third time in a row.
Now the Pharaohs are preparing to face Mozambique, but for sure, they have all it takes to have an optimistic mentality ahead of this match.
Emad Moteab, Ahmed Hassan, and Mohamed Gedo were the three goal scorers for Egypt in their first encounter in Angola, and Egypt will be hoping to get even more against the Mambas through the great help of their striker Mohamed Zidan, and their midfielder Hosni Abd Rabou.
In fact, from defense, to midfield, to front, the Pharaohs seem to have it all. On paper, they definitely have no problem going into their second contest of the tournament, unless their coach decides to make way for most of his players on the bench; which is obviously very unlikely.
Mozambique
Going to the side of Mozambique, this match should be their hardest in the group. Possibly, what could turn the match into a tough one for them is the fine shape in which the Pharaohs currently find theirselves in.
Mozambique drew 2-2 with Benin in their first game in Angola, but they had to blame theirselves for the score line, as they unintentionally denied theirselves a win through a Dario Khan own goal.
Consequently, the Mambas possess nothing more than a single point in their table, and they must defeat the Egyptians if they opt to climb in their group with the intention of securing a place in the quarter-finals of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.
Failing to get a constructive outcome in this challenge could result in the Mozambicans moving to the bottom of Group C, while the Pharaohs would eventually enjoy a great lead at the top.
