The Super Eagles of Nigeria, conceded a late, late goal to draw their first match at the Africa Cup of Nations against Burkina Faso.
Stephen Keshi’s men completely dominated the first half and took the lead, after Mikel Obi’s well-weighted pass found Brown Ideye. Ideye flicked the ball expertly into Emenike’s path and he squeezed it past the goalkeeper. However, for all their possession, they could not add more goals.
In the second half, the game evened out. Both sides went at each other, but could not add to the tally, until Efe Ambrose was sent off for a second yellow card. The Burkina Faso team from that point seized the initiative and pressed the Nigerians back. But it was only a defensice mix-up that allowed Alain Traore smash past Vincent Enyeama in the 94th game.
In the other game played earlier, Ethiopia – who also ended the game with 10 men – held defending champions Zambia to a 1-1 draw.
Ethiopia missed a penalty in the 23rd minute, after Kennedy Mweene parried Saladin Said’s effort. Shortly after, they were reduced to ten men and Zambia took the lead through Collins Mbesuma.
Adane Girma equalised in the second half, after his shot hit the post and rolled into the net.
These results leave all the teams in Group C, with one point each.
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