Nigeria’s Flying Eagles on Monday edged defending champions Senegal 3-1 on penalties at the under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt to seal a place in the semi-finals and also secure a spot at this year’s U20 FIFA World Cup in Chile.
With the quarter-final encounter goalless after 120 minutes of football, Sporting Lagos goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt willed the Flying Eagles to victory with his heroics in the shootout as the youngster saved two penalties.
The much-anticipated fixture between two African heavyweights at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia had little to separate both sides in the opening periods. However, Senegal’s Cheikh Thiam came close to breaking the deadlock, but his 42nd-minute header ricocheted off the post.
Harcourt was also called into action eight minutes into the second half restart to deny the Young Teranga Lions another opportunity to take the lead, while Senegal’s goalkeeper Mouhamed Sissokho saved two efforts from Kparobo Arierhi and Divine Oliseh to put Nigeria in front.
The game, however, headed for penalties after a drab extra time, with the Nigerian trio of Precious Benjamin, Israel Ayuma, and Emmanuel Chukwu all converting their spot kicks.
Senegal, meanwhile, had contrasting luck, as only Seydi Diouck beat the goalkeeper. Ousmane Konate hit the crossbar with his effort, while the duo of Pierre Dorival and Mame Mor Faye were denied by Harcourt, who was in inspired form in between the sticks for Nigeria.
The Flying Eagles held on to their unbeaten record at the ongoing U20 AFCON and are on course to win a record-extending eighth title, with South Africa up next in the semi-final after the Amajita defeated DR Congo 1-0.
Aliyu Zubairu’s side handed Senegal their first defeat in a knockout match at the competition since 2017 and will head to the U20 World Cup as one of Africa’s four representatives, with the tournament scheduled to take place from 27 September to 19 October.
