The Flying Eagles of Nigeria beat Mozambique 2-0 in Ismailia, Egypt, to qualify for the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday night.
Ladan Bosso’s charges scored two sumptuous goals in the first-half through Samson Lawal and Ibrahim Muhammad to secure second place in Group A.
The record seven time champions of the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations moved six points while Senegal top the group with nine points following their 4-0 thumping of host nation Egypt in Cairo.
The Nigerians dominated possession at Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia and came as no surprise when they sealed the comfortable victory at full-time.
Ibrahim Muhammad tested the Mozambican keeper with a speculative shot from distance after five minutes to demonstrate the intentions of the Flying Eagles.
Kimiss Zavala was well positioned to gather the effort as the Young Os Mambas weathered the early Flying Eagles pressure.
Ladan Bosso’s charges continue to pile pressure on Mozambique with Haliru Sarki and Ibrahim Muhammad providing width to the Nigerian attack.
The Nigerians created half chances through Haliru Sarki whose half volley came off a Mozambican defender after 20 minutes.
Kimiss Zavala pulled a smart one handed save to deny Ayuba Abubakarr from giving the Flying Eagles the lead in Ismailia.
The lively Ibrahim Muhammad played in Abubakarr who controlled the ball with his back to goal before firing straight at Kimiss who made himself big.
Nigeria broke the deadlock through Samson Lawal on 32 minutes with a stupendous strike from distance to beat the helpless Kimiss Zavala.
The PRO Success Football Academy forward latched on to a quick interchange of passes between fullback Augustine Njoku and Haliru Sarki before beating Kimiss with a powerful strike.
The Flying Eagles doubled their lead four minutes before halftime through Ibrahim Muhammad’s sumptuous strike from outside the area.
Muhammad Aminu cut in from the left to release the Cartagena FC striker who had a touch to set himself before beating Kimiss to make it 2-0.
The second half was an even contest with Mozambique playing on the break while Nigeria ring changes to give playing time to other members of the squad.
Substitute Jude Sunday saw his ferocious effort turned over by the busy Kimiss Zavala ten minutes into the second half.
Another Nigerian substitute Olamilekan Adams forced a save from Kimiss as Ladan Bosso’s charges pushed more men forward.
The Young Os Mambas’ only real opportunity came late on through substitute Jose Rabelina Zavala close range effort.
The Flying Eagles join Senegal in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations while Egypt and Mozambique crash out.
- Culled from www.cafonline.com
