Sierra Leone beat Niger 1-0 on Saturday to give Egypt hope in reaching the African Cup of Nations. Niger's defeat means they failed to open a wider gap with Egypt, as their tally froze at six points. Still, they are in second place, one point adrift of leaders South Africa and another point ahead of third-placed Sierra Leone. Egypt, fourth in Group G with just one point, will take on South Africa in Cairo on Sunday. A triumph for the African champions means they will stay fourth but will close down the gap with South Africa and Niger. Ibrahim Bangoura scored the winner for Sierra Leone five minutes into the second-half.