Nigeria’s 2-2 draw against Egypt on Wednesday night, means that Samson Siasia’s boys have not qualified for the semi-finals of the ongoing Africa U-23 Championship in Senegal.
The Dream Team VI raced into a two-goal lead, thanks to two well-taken penalties by Oghenekaro Etebo.
However, the North Africans were level within seven minutes of the restart. Ramdan Sobi pulled one back with a header from inside the six-yard box, before Chizoba Amaefule diverted a low cross into his own net.
The result leaves Nigeria in second place with four points. Algeria top the group with four points too, but have a better goal difference.
A likely scenario will see Nigeria, Algeria and Egypt all finish on five points, if Nigeria vs Algeria ends in a draw and Egypt beat Mali. The two teams who will qualify from Group B, will then be determined by the results among the three countries in a mini-group.
However, if Siasia’s team defeat Algeria on Sunday, they will automatically book their place in the last four and be on course to pick one of the three African tickets, for next year’s Olympic Games in Rio.
Comments