Nigeria’s U-20 men’s team, the Flying Eagles, got their tournament underway by defeating hosts Egypt 1-0 on matchday two of the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday.
FULL-TIME! ⏰
Nigeria earn their first victory in the #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 after beating Egypt 🦅 pic.twitter.com/nm0gO08KrX
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) February 22, 2023
The Flying Eagles lost their opening game in a 1-0 defeat to the Junior Teranga Lions of Senegal on Sunday, but they fought hard to get an important victory against the Young Pharaohs to keep their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage of the competition alive.
In a must win clash for the two sides, the Egyptians created the better chances in the game, especially in the first half, but they lacked the clinical finishing to convert their attempts into goals, the same woes they had in their opening game against Mozambique.
On the other hand, the Ladan Bosso-led team were more efficient when they created chances, and they got the solitary goal in the game through a corner kick after a decent spell in the game.
However, the goal came from the unlikeliest of sources, as left back Solomon Chinonso Agbalaka sent in a thumping header in the 71st minute to beat Mostafa Mohamed Amin in goal for the Egyptians.
Few minutes later, 18-year-old goalie Chijoke Kingsley Aniagboso made two top saves to deny Mahmoud Gaber’s team from drawing level and opening their account for the tournament.
Nigeria are currently second in Group C with three points, while Senegal, who booked a place in the quarterfinal of the tournament after defeating Mozambique 3-0, currently top the group with six points, while Egypt and the Mambas are in third and fourth place, respectively.
🇸🇳 ➡️ 🔝
🇳🇬 ➕ 3️⃣Group A is starting to take shape 🔢#TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/gvbm1kCCIV
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) February 22, 2023
Bosso’s men will now face Mozambique in their final group game on Saturday, while Egypt will be in action against Group C table-toppers Senegal, with both games set to go on concurrently at 6pm WAT.
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