AFCON U20: Flying Eagles battle back to reach quarter-finals
Nigeria reached the quarter-finals of the ongoing CAF U20 Championship in Egypt after a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Kenya’s Rising Stars in their final Group B match on Wednesday.
The Flying Eagles finished second in the group with five points, two behind group leaders Morocco, who defeated Tunisia 3-1 in the other group fixture. Morocco will remain in Cairo for their quarter-final clash against the second-placed team in Group A.
Seven-time champions Nigeria, meanwhile, will head to Ismailia for their quarter-final match on Monday, where they will face the second-placed team from Group C, which includes defending champions Senegal, Ghana, Central African Republic, and DR Congo.
Kenya made the game tough for Nigeria, as Aliyu Zubairu’s boys had to come from behind twice to secure the draw.
Kevin Wangaya opened the scoring for Kenya in the 5th minute from the penalty spot after a Nigerian defender handled the ball in the box.
Nigeria responded seven minutes later, with Kparobo Arierhi weaving through the Kenyan defense to slot home the equalizer.
In the 68th minute, the Rising Stars regained the lead when William capitalized on poor marking to fire home a free kick delivered by Lawrence.
But five minutes later, Nigeria equalized again as captain Daniel Bameyi calmly converted a penalty after substitute Mendos Rickson was fouled in the area.
