Izuchukwu OkosiNigeria fought back to claim a priceless 3-2 win against South Africa in Constantine Saturday night to reach the quarterfinals of the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria.
The two-time African champions and five-time world champions went down to a Vicky Mkwawana goal six minutes into the game when he hit a rebound with a fierce low shot after the ball came off the foot of the post.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelGolden Eaglets coach Nduka Ugbade introduced the duo of Light Eke and Charles Agada to his starting lineup and they repaid the faith in them.
In the 10th minute Agada had a goal disallowed for offside as the relentless pressure from Nigeria continued.
Agada however equalised in the 33rd minute when he powered home the ball from a corner kick after so many attacking threats.
Abubakar Abdullahi’s attempted spectacular strike did not eventually come off in added time of the first half before South Africa took the initiative thanks to a goal of beauty.
Siyambona Mabena scored a wonderful goal after he dribbled past three Golden Eaglets defenders to slam the ball into the under bar of the post.
Television replays showed that the bsll did cross the line.
Light Eke scored barely 30 seconds into the second half to restore parity for the Eaglets while Abdullahi eventually got the goal he discovered.
The Eaglets made moves to make the lead even more respectable but South Africa defended stoutly to end the contest a a slim 3-2 for the Gunners.
Nigeria will face the second placed team from Group C with the group concluded on Sunday.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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