Julius OkorieFlying Eagles won their fifth Bronze in the U-20 AFCON on Sunday, beating Young Pharaohs of Egypt on penalties to achieve the feat.
Recall that the Flying Eagles had won the third place four times previously. The clash at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo had ended 1-1 at regulation time and the two teams went straight into penalties.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelWithin the run of play, the Young Pharaohs the first salvo as early as the third minute of the match through Omar Osama, to the delight of their compatriots who had turned out in their numbers to support them.
The hosts maintained the lead till the 47th minute when Bidemi Amole grabbed the equaliser.
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At the end of 90 minutes the score remained at lone goal apiece. The penalty shootout saw Flying Eagles convert three of their penalties with the Young pharaohs converting on one.
Credit went to Emmanuel Chukwu,Israel Ayuma and Kparobo Arierhi who calmly delivered for the Aliyu Zubairu led side. Only Omar Khedr was able to score for the Young Pharaohs.
The flying Eagles by this result maintained their dominance over their Egyptians counterparts. Recall that today’s clash was a repeat of 2005 final between both teams in Coutonou with Nigeria emerging champions courtesy of a brace by Isaac Promise.
Both sides equally clashed in the group state two years ago and Nigeria again claimed victory thanks to Solomon Agbalaka’s first-half header.
The final is between South Africa and Morocco at the Cairo International Stadium.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
