Egypt, Nigeria win in African qualifying

JOHANNESBURG, Sept 09 (Agencies): Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah scored twice and missed two penalties as Egypt made a dream debut under Mexican coach Javier Aguirre by crushing Niger 6-0 on Saturday in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

Salah had clashed with Egyptian football officials ahead of the match day 2 qualifier in Alexandria for the 2019 finals over image-rights violations and personal security.

But once on the pitch, the Egypt superstar was quickly in the thick of the action, winning a first-minute penalty which was blocked.

After Marwan Mohsen and Ayman Ashraf goals gave the 2018 World Cup flops a two-goal edge, Salah had another penalty saved, but scored from the rebound for a 3-0 half-time advantage.

The Liverpool sharpshooter, who scored 32 English Premier League goals last season in his first campaign at Anfield, created the fourth goal for rising star Salah Mohsen.

Salah netted the fifth and Mohamed Elneny from Arsenal completed the rout with a goal two minutes into stoppage time.

Nigeria were another team who rebounded from failing to make the World Cup last-16 in Russia by winning convincingly - 3-0 away to traditional minnows the Seychelles in Group E.

Captain Ahmed Musa, Chidozie Awaziem and Odion Ighalo, from a penalty, scored for the Super Eagles, but it was home goalkeeper Dave Mussard who became the centre of attention.

Ghana's team morale appeared affected by months of crisis in its soccer association when it lost 1-0 to 10-man Kenya away in Nairobi.