Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets started the 2023 U-17 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) competition on a winning note by defeating Zambia 1-0 in their opening match of the tournament taking place in Algeria.
Favour Daniel scored the only goal in the 76th minute to give Nigeria the important victory
Despite dominating the first half of the encounter, the Golden Eaglets failed to put the ball behind the goal post but in the second half the two teams showed their intention to outwit each other.
And a counterattack in the 76th minute paid off for the Nigerian side as Daniel tapped in a loose ball in the Zambia box to score the only goal of the match.
Nigeria failed to double their lead when substitute Light Eke could not convert a penalty in the dying minute as the spot kick was caught by the Zambian goalkeeper.
Toward the end of the encounter, Zambians made several incursions into the home of the Eaglets but their efforts were thwarted by the Nigerian defenders for the match to end at 1-0 in favour of Eaglets.
Nigeria’s second group match will be against Morocco on Wednesday.
For manning the defence line-up of Eaglets well, Yahaya Lawali was named Man of the Match.
The Nduka Ugbade-tutored side are grouped alongside Zambia, Morocco and South Africa in Group B of the competition in Constantine.
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Meanwhile, defender Serigne Fallou Diouf volleyed home 12 minutes to time as Senegal won their opening game with a 1-0 victory over Congo.
This is the first time in three attempts that Senegal are winning their opening game of the tournament, and move second in Group A with three points, same as leaders Algeria who won 2-0 against Somalia.
Senegal’s second game will be on Tuesday against hosts Algeria, a game that will have a huge implication on who qualifies for the quarter-finals.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
