Egypt beat World Cup qualifier Nigeria 3-1 Tuesday, beginning its bid for an unprecedented third straight title in the African Cup of Nations. Benin and Mozambique played to a 2-2 tie in the other game.
The Egyptians won despite missing key players, rallying from a one-goal deficit behind scores by Emad Meteab, Ahmed Hassan and Mohammed Naguy. Nigeria, looking for its third title, took the lead in the 12th minute on a goal by Chinedu Obasi.
Egypt, a six-time champion, leads Group C with three points. Benin and Mozambique have one point each, and Nigeria none.
Egypt failed to qualify for the World Cup after losing a playoff to Algeria. It hasn’t played in a World Cup since 1990.
In the other group game, Razak Omotoyossi made a penalty kick in 13th minute to put Benin ahead. An own-goal by Mozambique’s Khan in the 19th minute made it 2-0. Lobo scored for Mozambique with a header in the 29th off a corner, and Fumo tied it the 55th from 10 yards out.
The next Group C matches are Saturday, with Nigeria playing Benin and Mozambique facing Egypt. On Wednesday, Group D starts with Cameroon vs. Gabon and Zambia vs. Tunisia.
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