Nigeria’s home based Super Eagles renewed their tournament hopes at the ongoing African Nations championships as they defeated their Mozambique counterparts 4-2 in Cape Town, South Africa on Wednesday.
The Eagles had to come from a goal down to wrestle away a vital three points.
Having both lost their opening games, the Eagles and the Mambas started their second game at the CHAN tournament fiercely, a development which accounted for four goals inside the first 20 minutes of play.
It was Mozambique that drew the first blood in the 10th minute when a stunning free kick by the Mambas captain, Dioro Khan, caught goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim off his line and went straight into the net.
The Eagles however gave an instant response when Ifeanyi Ede volleyed in at close range after Azubieke Eqwueke’s flicking header from a long throw.
Nigeria were soon to take the lead through Rabiu Ali’s 13th minute strike, which was a stunning volley from outside the penalty box.
The Eagles’ lead lasted for only seven minutes as the Mambas equalised in the 20th minute through Diogo who rounded up goalkeeper Agbim before slicing in his second goal of the tournament.
The first half ended even at 2-2 but the second half was for the Eagles as they scored two more goals, first from the penalty spot through Ali and then Barnabas Imenger sealed victory seven minutes after coming in.
Nigeria remains in third place and still needs a win against host, South Africa, in their last group game to be sure of progressing.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles’ midfielder, Ejike Uzoenyi, emerged the man of the match in the 4-2 win over Mambas of Mozambique at the ongoing African Nations Championship in South Africa.
The Enugu Rangers’ man and the most experienced Nigerian player on the pitch, created all the chances to bring back the Nigerian side into the game after the early minutes scare from their opponents.
It will be recalled that Uzoneyi was a member of the victorious Super Eagles AFCON 2013 team in South Africa.
The player returned to Rangers after failing to pick a first team action in the colours of Rennes of France.
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