Julius OkorieBattle for survival in Group B of the ongoing U-20 AFCON in Egypt went to the wire after Flying Eagles played a goalless draw against Morocco on Sunday.
Both teams played with a lot of caution as the expected fireworks from both sides were missing.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelMidfielder Divine Oliseh’s first-half effort was the only notable opportunity by Flying Eagles in the course of the encounter.
Even Morocco who enjoyed goal harvest against Kenya in the opening game failed to breakthrough against a Nigerian side that left no loopholes for external incursion.
The result has seen both teams now on four points from two matches but with Morocco ahead on goal difference.
Kenya are as good as bidding the tournament bye after losing their second match 3-1 to Tunisia, they had earlier lost the first game 3-2 against Morocco.
The East African side thus occupy bottom of the log with no points. Tunisia follow in the third place and will be hoping for table turning impact when they face Morocco in the last group match on Wednesday, just as Nigeria face already eliminated Kenya same day.
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There are strong indications that the Morocco and Nigeria will advance from the group. Both teams must however aim for outright win in their last matches to advance or in worst case scenario settle for draw. A loss by either of them will turn the table at the top.
Meanwhile, debutants Sierra Leone became the first team to zoom into the quarter-finals after a narrow win over Tanzania at the Suez Canal Stadium on Saturday.
Samuel Gandi’s close-range finish in the 37th minute — awarded following a VAR check — proved decisive in a tight contest as Sierra Leone recorded back-to-back victories to move to seven points and a historic quarter-final spot in their maiden appearance at the tournament.
Tanzania, who suffered a 1-0 defeat to South Africa in their opener, are now left needing a win in their final group game to keep any hopes of progression alive.
The match opened at a lively pace with Tanzania showing attacking intent, carving out several early chances. Bakari Msimu missed a glorious opportunity from close range in the 17th minute, before Said Naushad and Cyprian Kachwele both forced saves from Sierra Leone keeper Mamadou Jalloh.
But it was Sierra Leone who found the breakthrough, slightly against the run of play. After a shot from Mohamed Bai Kamara was parried into danger, Gandi reacted quickest to slot home.
The goal initially appeared in doubt but was eventually upheld after a VAR review — much to the joy of the Sierra Leone bench.
The result sees Sierra Leone top the group with seven points ahead of Egypt, South Africa and Zambia. Tanzania, still without a goal or a point, face an uphill task going into their final group match.
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.
