Nigeria’s Dream Team VI began their quest at the
African U23 Championship in Senegal on a very good
note as the team defeated Mali 3 – 2.
A superb back-heel by Junior Ajayi had put Nigerians
ahead in the 16th minute before Usman Mohammed
made it two in the 34th minute.
Junior Ajayi made it three from a rebound at the stroke
of half-time as both teams went into the break with
Nigeria leading 3 – 0; sending the Dream Team to
‘cloud-nine’.
Mali returned from the break firing from all cylinders
and their efforts paid-off when Adama Niane converted
from the spot after he was brought-down in the danger-
area.
Wasteful Mali lost a couple of chances as they
continued to navigate into the Nigerian area. However,
substitute Souleymane Sissoko made it 3 – 2 when
latched onto a ‘delicious’ through-ball to reduce
Nigeria’s lead with a low-drive past goalkeeper Daniel,
setting-up a very pulsating final 25 minutes.
Mali continued to pile the pressure to get the equalizer,
but Siasia’s men held on as they repelled subsequent
moves by the Malians. It ended Nigeria 3 – 2 Mali.
Nigeria will play Egypt on Wednesday December 2. The
Egyptians played 1 – 1 with Algeria in the other game of
the group.
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