Mohamed Salah's Egypt Beaten by Nigeria on Penalties in AFCON 2025 Third-Place Play-Off

Nigeria edged past Egypt in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to claim third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following their encounter at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Saturday, January 17.

Both nations entered the bronze-medal match seeking redemption after heartbreaking semi-final exits, with Egypt falling 1–0 to Senegal and Nigeria losing a tense penalty shootout to hosts Morocco.

Throughout the tournament, the Super Eagles were the most prolific side with 14 goals, while the Pharaohs showed tactical resilience by knocking out defending champions Côte d'Ivoire in the quarter-finals.

While their most recent competitive AFCON meeting was a 1–0 group-stage win for Nigeria in 2022, their very latest encounter was a friendly in December 2025, which Egypt won 2–1.

Egypt began the match on the front foot, enjoying the majority of possession and asserting early control over Nigeria.

Just three minutes in, play was briefly halted after Emam Ashour collided with the corner flag and damaged it, forcing officials to stop the game while repairs were made.

Once play resumed, Egypt continued to create numerous scoring opportunities but struggled with their finishing.

Nigeria, meanwhile, remained compact in defence, sitting deep during the opening 20 minutes and limiting clear chances despite Egypt’s dominance.

The Pharaohs came close to breaking the deadlock in the 23rd minute when a dangerous effort was deflected by a Nigerian defender, leading to a corner that ultimately came to nothing.

Nigeria attempted to counter but found it difficult to advance into Egypt’s penalty area due to a disciplined defensive display.

Mohamed Salah had a rare opening in the 27th minute, though his effort drifted just wide of the target. Nigeria thought they had taken the lead in the 36th minute, only for the goal to be ruled out following a foul in the build-up.

Several tense moments followed during stoppage time, but neither side managed to find the breakthrough before the interval.

Nigeria emerged for the second half with renewed intensity and appeared to take the lead just a minute after the restart, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

The Super Eagles continued to press, with Ademola Lookman forcing the Egyptian goalkeeper into action in the 47th minute. Two minutes later, a powerful long-range effort from a Nigerian forward tested the keeper again, who reacted quickly to gather the ball safely.

Nigeria maintained the momentum as the match grew in intensity, creating several promising chances but once more struggling to find the finishing touch.

A corner in the 70th minute offered another opportunity for the Super Eagles, but the set-piece failed to produce a breakthrough.

Egypt responded with a swift counter-attack of their own, though their move also came to nothing as the game remained finely balanced.

With 10 minutes remaining, the tempo rose sharply as both teams pushed relentlessly in search of a decisive goal, eager to avoid a penalty shoot-out. In the 82nd minute, Nigeria almost took the lead, but the ball landed right into the hands of the Egyptian keeper.

Egypt earned a set-piece in a promising position, but Mohamed Salah was unable to convert as the chance went begging, just two minutes before the match ended.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru of Nigeria missed the opening penalty, while Mohamed Salah was also unable to convert for Egypt. Akor Adams then scored Nigeria’s first successful spot-kick, as Egypt’s Omar Marmoush saw his attempt brilliantly saved.

Moses Simon extended Nigeria’s advantage, while Ramy Rabia converted Egypt’s opening penalty. Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman then sealed the victory for the Super Eagles, securing the bronze medal, as Mahmoud Saber’s efforts were not enough to change Egypt’s fate.