Egypt make winning start to title defence

An inspired display from captain Ahmed Hassan helped African Nations Cup holders Egypt come from a goal down to defeat Nigeria 3-1 in the opening Group C match in Benguela on Tuesday.

Hassan, 35, was at the heart of their success, setting up Egypt's first and scoring their second as they outplayed the World Cup-bound Nigerians.

Emad Moteab and substitute Mohamed Nagui were also scorers after Nigeria had taken an early lead through Chinedu Obasi.

The win stretched to 14 the number of successive unbeaten matches at the Nations Cup finals for Egypt, who have won the last two editions.

Hassan, in the Egyptian squad at an eighth successive tournament, saw his 54th minute shot take a wicked deflection off Nigeria defender Taye Taiwo in what proved the turning point of the match.

His effort from the edge of the area came after he was teed up by Mohamed Zidan.

Hassan had earlier started the Egyptian comeback with a defence splitting pass that allowed Moteab to round keeper Vincent Enyeama and score a 34th minute equaliser.

Nagui's 87th minute goal came after another pass through the middle of the Nigeria defence and a forceful shot on target.

Nigeria went ahead after 12 minutes with a cracking drive from the left side by Obasi, the Bundesliga striker who had originally been left out of the squad for the trip to Angola.

Egypt are seeking to become the first side to win three successive Nations Cup titles.