Flying Eagles coach Ladan Bosso cut a frustrated figure after Nigeria’s 1-0 loss to the Gambia in the semifinals of the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday.
FULL-TIME! ⏰
Bojang’s early goal hands The Gambia the victory against Nigeria! #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 | #NGAGAM pic.twitter.com/QsSl1843F1
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) March 6, 2023
The experienced manager was left to rue his side’s missed chances as the Young Scorpions ran away with a first-half lead at the Cairo International Stadium to progress to the finals for the first time ever.
THE GAMBIA ARE IN THE #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 FINAL FOR THE FIRST-EVER TIME! @TheGambiaFF pic.twitter.com/W4jAq3LW2C
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) March 6, 2023
Although the Flying Eagles came into the competition as one of the favourites due to their seven previous triumphs, they never looked like a threat as they mostly played without synergy.
Albeit having much of the possession, the Young Eagles were pegged back early on as in-form striker Adama Bojang, who bagged a hat-trick in Gambia’s 5-0 quarterfinal win over South Sudan, got the all-important goal with a sublime strike in the 8th minute.
Bosso’s side were handed a lifeline late in the game after Belgium-based striker Ahmed Abdullahi was brought down in the box by goalkeeper Pa Ebou Dampha. However, the 18-year-old did not make use of the opportunity, as his strike from 12 yards out could only hit the post.
“We lost stupidly, we were naive from the start,” a visibly disappointed Bosso told CAF media. “We failed to take our chances and we also missed the penalty in the 86th minute.
“I am very frustrated because we had the team to go all the way. Football is cruel.
“We didn’t measure up. I congratulate The Gambia for winning,” he added.
The Flying Eagles still have a chance for a podium finish with a third-place matchup set up against the Young Carthage Eagles of Tunisia for Friday, March 10, at 3pm WAT at the Cairo International Stadium.
???????? SENEGAL ARE 2023 #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 FINALISTS ???? @Fsfofficielle pic.twitter.com/jQiZizIP3w
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) March 6, 2023
The Gambia and the Young Teranga Lions of Senegal, who were comfortable 3-0 winners over Tunisia in Ismailia, will both be looking to win their first title at this level when they lock horns in the final on Saturday, March 11, at 6pm at the same venue.
