ANKARA

Nigeria beat 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosts Ivory Coast 1-0 in a Group A match Thursday to take a big step towards the last 16.

Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong scored the winning goal from the penalty spot in the 55th minute in Abidjan.

Nigeria are second in Group A as they have four points before the final matchday of this stage.

Equatorial Guinea have four points to lead the group as they beat Guinea-Bissau 4-2 earlier Thursday.

Ivory Coast have three points after two games and they have to beat Equatorial Guinea on Monday to progress to the knockout stage.

On the same day, Nigeria will play against Guinea-Bissau, who lost two games in this group.

The best two nations in each group will automatically qualify for the last 16.

In addition, the four highest ranked third-placed nations will join them in the first knockout stage.

AFCON record holders Egypt drew with Ghana 2-2 in a Group B match in Abidjan.

Ghana star Mohammed Kudus scored twice for his team.

Omar Marmoush and Mostafa Mohamed were the scorers for Egypt.

Liverpool and Egypt star Mohamed Salah went off injured during the game.

Egypt had their second point in the group to be after leaders Cape Verde, who have three points.

Cape Verde will face Mozambique on Friday. A win against Mozambique will enable Cape Verde to firmly secure the top spot in Group B.

Mozambique and Ghana have a point each.