Nigeria’s Dream Team VI almost blew away their three goal lead in their opening group game against Mali at the ongoing U23 AFCON championship in Mbour, Senegal.
The Samson Siasia-lad narrowly escaped a major setback in their campaign for the Rio 2016 Olympics ticket as they fought the Malians to a 3-2 win.
Tunisia-based Junior Ajayi has netted a brace, while Usman Mohammed has also been on target for Dream Team VI.
However, after the interval, Mali fought back to score twice to leave the encounter on a nail-biting finish.
Niane scored from the penalty spot after 55 minutes when he was fouled inside the box by Oghenekaro Etebo.
And 10 minutes later, Souleyman Sissoko got Mali their second goal when he drove through the Nigeria defence before he slotted past the goalkeeper.
But before their second-half goals, Mali carved out the better chances in front of goal after the first whistle and could even have scored within the first minute, but Adama Traore’s effort came off the crossbar and back into play.
Nigeria soaked the pressure, before they finally got going scoring almost against the run of play in the 16th minute when Ajayi stylishly back heeled home after a superb run down the right flank by the impressive Stanley Dimgba.
Mali continued to chase the game but it was Nigeria who doubled their lead after 34 minutes when Usman Mohammed turned in a loose ball from inside the box after a great cut-back by Sincere Seth.
But just a minute after this second goal, Nigeria goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel produced a big save when he blocked at point-blank range from the dangerous Adama Traore.
Mali also threatened to pull a goal back five minutes to the interval, but again Daniel was alert to cut out the danger at the feet of Niane.
In first half stoppage time, Junior Ajayi made it 3-0 after Mali goalkeeper Diarra failed to hold a powerful shot fired by skipper Azubuike Okechukwu from the edge of the box.
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