Head coach of Nigeria’s U-23 side, Samson Siasia, has admitted his team was lucky to defeat Mali 3-2, in their opening game at the Africa U-23 Championship in Senegal on Sunday.
The Dream Team VI looked to be coasting to a comfortable victory after scoring three times in the first half, but conceded twice in the second half.
Mali were unlucky not to level the game, as they missed a few chances towards the end.
“It was a difficult match. We played very well in the beginning and scored three goals,” Siasia told reporters after the game.
“The defenders made two mistakes which cost us, and they (Mali) scored twice.
“The defenders panicked and they almost equalised. I guess we were lucky.”
Nigeria will play Egypt in their next group game on Wednesday.
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