Three first half goals by the Atlas Lions of Morocco set the tone for an emphatic 3-0 first half humiliation of the Super Eagles.

The coach Stephen Keshi tutored team were a sorry sight as they ran from pillar to post chasing the sleek Moroccans in their stride. From the start, it was evident that the Moroccans meant serious business as they orchestrated several attacks in the Nigerian half. But for the heroics of defence stalwart Azubuike Egwuekwe, the Atlas Lions would have taken the lead earlier than it came.

After a cagy start, the Moroccans stamped their authority in the 27th minute when goalkeeper and captain, Chigozie Agbim stretched to parry a goal bound shot near the post. But it was not for long when Mohsine Moutaoali spotting jersey number 10 struck with a curling volley that beat flat footed Agbim in the 32nd minute.

Gbolahan Salami lost a golden chance to have put Nigeria at par but his effort went off mark. At the Nigerian end, the Moroccans struck again in the 36th minute through Iajour Mouhssine who converted a wonderful free kick from just outside the 18 yard box. The Atlas Lions roared again in the 39th minute with a clinical finish from their number 10 man.

The Eagles were more business-like in the second half as two quick goals from Ogonna Uzochukwu and Rabiu Ali in the 49th and 55th minutes restored Nigeria’s hope in this encounter.

The equaliser came in dramatic fashion when, with the clock of 90 minutes, Ejike Uzoenyi picked the ball on the edge of the area and, after beating two players, unleashed a fierce shot that hit the underside of the bar and nestled in the back of the net.

After forcing an extra time, Uzoenyi continued to threaten the Moroccan defence, seeing one shot saved and providing a chance for Ali in the first period.

However, Nigeria’s winning goal came with eight minutes left as Uzoenyi’s cross was horribly spilled by keeper Nadir Lamyaghri and fell into the path of Ibrahim and, from two yards, had gifted Nigeria a place in the last four.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe stunned favourites Mali 2-1 in an absorbing CHAN quarter-final encounter at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday evening.

The West Africans who took to the pitch having won two and drawn their three group stage matches were outdone by a resolute Warriors team that worked their socks out and were full value for their win.

Ian Gorowa’s side scored in each half and the few chances that Mali created were expertly absorbed by the hardworking Warriors defence, save for the consolation effort in the dying minutes of the match.

They duly took the lead in 10th minute through Simba Sithole who took advantage of the hesitant Mali defence to slot a low shot past Soumaila Diakite.

Mahachi then put the issue beyond doubt when he again out-foxed Malian defence to make it 2-0 in the 54th minute.

Mali scored what proved a consolation goal when substitute Hamidou Sinayoko headed in a close range effort for the 2-1 scoreline in the 87th minute as Zimbabwe celebrated a famous win.

The post Eagles in dramatic comeback, as Zimbabwe shock Mali to reach semis appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

A brace from Rabiu Ali and one goal each from Ifeanyi Ede and substitute Barnabas Imenger were all  Stephen Keshi’s men needed to brush aside Joao Chisano’s team on a night of exciting football artistry.

The much talked about game between the two debutants kicked off on a bright note as both sides who were still fresh from their opening defeats contested for every ball to gain possession.

However, it was the Mozambicans that got the curtain raiser through captain Dário Khan in the 10^th minute. Khan shot a free kick from almost half way that sailed above and beyond Chigozie Agbim who was still arranging his wall.

Nigeria reacted immediately by getting the equaliser in the 11^th minute through Ede who shot past Soarito off a header from Azubuike Egwuekwe. This motivated the Super Eagles and they got their second of the night two minutes later through Ali. He beat the opponent’s goalkeeper from a long range that drew a big applause from the fans.

While it looked like Keshi’s men were in cruise control, they soon let defensive lapses give the Mozambicans a well deserved equaliser in the 20^th minute through Alberto Diogo. The Mambas striker put the ball into an empty net as Agbim failed to clear Maninho’s lay off.

The Eagles regrouped but all efforts to get into the lead proved futile as Chisano’s men looked resolute in defence and well coordinated in the midfield. At halftime, the game ended two goals apiece.

On resumption of the second half, Nigeria were in firm control as they looked better organised and confident on the ball and in the 47^th minute man of the match Ejike Uzoenyi could have given his side the lead but his shot from just outside the box could not threaten goalkeeper Soares.

Ali put Nigeria in the lead five minutes later from the penalty spot as Uzoenyi’s shot was adjudged to have struck the arm of a Mambas defender according to referee Bangoura.

While it looked like the Mambas would recover, substitute Imenger, who came on for hardworking striker Gbolahan Salami, sealed the win with the fourth goal for Nigeria with two minutes to regulation time.  The super-sub profited from a Solomon Kwambe pass and chipped it over Soares to give the Eagles a two goal cushion.

Nigeria will now face hosts South Africa in a make or break game on Sunday. Bafana Bafana had earlier in the day played out a 1-1 draw against Les Aigles of Mali.

The post Rabiu’s brace inspires Eagles victory against Mozambique appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.