Both teams put up a good fight in the match, but given the chances, Nigeria might have been able to score more goals in the evening kickoff.
Favour Nigeria defeated Zambia 1-0 on Sunday at the Mohamed Hamloui Stadium in Constantine to get off to a good start at the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Algeria 2023. Daniel’s goal in the second half gave Nigeria the victory.
The Golden Eaglets overcame a narrow lead to advance to the top of Group B following their first game, despite Light Eke’s late penalty miss.
Both teams put up a good fight in the match, but given the chances, Nigeria might have been able to score more goals in the evening kickoff.
After 13 minutes, Abubakar Abdullahi thought he had given his team the lead, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Tochukwu Ogbabido also saw a rasping attempt from the edge of the box just miss the target.
The Nigerians had a wonderful opportunity six minutes before halftime when Hope Linus’ beautiful through ball put captain Precious Williams through on goal, but the Zambian goalkeeper’s trailing leg diverted the ball against the upright.
Zambia was again denied by the woodwork three minutes into the second half, this time when Emmanuel Mwanza’s curling attempt hit the crossbar.
Zambia fared better and had more control of the ball in the second half. When substitute Obvious Mwaliteta put Stainly Nyamikwe through on goal in the 71st minute, they had a good chance, but the goalkeeper made a fine save.
However, Zambia found themselves in the rear after the turn after five minutes. After the ball was recycled in from a cleared corner, Daniel was left alone inside the box, and the forward easily beat the goalkeeper.
After Abubakar Abdullahi was fouled inside the box in the 89th minute, they should have scored the second goal from the penalty spot, but substitute Eke’s tame attempt was saved.
In the extra period, Marcel Zimba rolled a low cross into the box, but neither Aaron Simpasa nor Linecker Mbesuma were able to touch it into an open goal. Zambia made a fightback attempt.
Nigeria will play Morocco on Wednesday, while Zambia’s next game is a COSAFA rivalry against South Africa.
