U20 AFCON: Flying Eagles Show Resilience in 2-2 Draw Against Kenya

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles got here from behind twice to safe a 2-2 draw with Kenya in their ultimate Group B match on the ongoing U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Objectives from Kparobo Arierhi and captain Daniel Bameyi helped Nigeria struggle again in a tense encounter on the Suez Canal Stadium. The consequence sees Nigeria end second in Group B, behind Morocco, who beat Tunisia 3-1.

Flying Eagles Begin Gradual, However Battle Again

Coach Aliyu Zubairu made three adjustments from the staff that performed Morocco, beginning Simon Cletus, Kparobo Arierhi, and Ezekiel Kpangu. However the Flying Eagles discovered themselves behind early, as Kenya took the lead in the sixth minute by a penalty by captain Kevin Wangaya. The spot-kick was awarded after VAR noticed a handball by Nigerian defender Chukwu.

Nigeria responded shortly. Within the thirteenth minute, Cletus performed a stunning through-ball to Arierhi, who rounded the goalkeeper and calmly completed to degree the rating. The Flying Eagles continued to press, with Arierhi and Jephta coming shut, however couldn’t add one other earlier than the break.

Second Half Drama

Nigeria got here out robust in the second half. Ayuma went shut with a robust shot, whereas Arierhi did not convert a great probability. Kenya, nonetheless, regained the lead in the 67th minute by William Gitama Mwangi, who smashed in a surprising end off the crossbar from a free-kick.

However the Flying Eagles struck again once more. Substitute Rickson Mendos was fouled in the field, and captain Bameyi made no mistake from the spot, making it 2-2 in the 72nd minute.

Divine Oliseh got here off the bench and almost received it late on, however fired over the bar from shut vary after a move from Arierhi.

Kenya Make Historical past, Nigeria Look Forward

The draw marks Kenya’s first-ever level in U20 AFCON historical past, and so they celebrated on the ultimate whistle. Nigeria, although upset to not win, advance to the quarter-finals as Group B runners-up.

They’ll now face the second-placed staff in Group C, which incorporates DR Congo, Ghana, Senegal, and Central African Republic. The ultimate spherical of group matches on Could 8 will determine Nigeria’s subsequent opponent.