Coach of the U-23 team, Samson Siasia
Nigeria
U-23 team coach, Samson Siasia, is relieved that his team will not be
meeting hosts, Congo, in the semi-finals of the men’s football event at
the Brazzaville 2015 All Africa Games after both sides finished top of
their respective groups over the weekend.
Nigeria came from behind to play a 1-1
draw against Senegal in their last Group B game on Saturday, a result
that meant Nigeria top the group on four points. Senegal have two points
but defending champions Ghana crashed out after having one point.
Congo remain leaders in Group A, despite losing 1-0 to Zimbabwe in their third game on Sunday.
Senegal took the lead in the 81st minute
through Ibrahim Keita, who took on Nigeria’s defence before firing past
goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel.
The Nigerians however got back into the game with Mustapha Abdullahi drawing level in the dying seconds of the game.
Siasia
said after the game that team would focus on their semi-final
opponents, promising to make changes after seeing his attackers losing
some scoring chances in the game.
“My boys made me proud, I love their
fighting spirit. To concede a goal very late and come back to equalise
is a sign that the team have a strong mentality. I must also commend
Mustapha, who was able to calm his nerves to score the equaliser,”
Siasia said.
“Let’s just go and savour our
qualification for the semi-finals as this draw has made us to avoid the
hosts Congo who would have been tough to play. I would prefer playing
them in the final.”
He added, “There will be some changes to our next game, and we will be more vigilant against our opponents.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria, who are seeking to
win the tournament for the second time, will face either Sudan or
Burkina Faso in the semi-finals.
Hosts Congo finished top of Group A and
will on Tuesday clash with Group B runners-up Senegal to determine the
team for the gold medal match.
Sudan and Burkina Faso played out a goalless draw in their final Group A match to both finish on four points.
They also finished on equal pegging for
goals scored, conceded and goals difference and so a drawing of lots
will be conducted by the organisers on Monday to determine who advances
to Tuesday’s semi-final against Group B winners Nigeria.
The Super Falcons tasted defeat at the Games on Saturday following their 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast in Group A.
It was the first time the Ivorians would
beat the Nigerians after substitute Estelle Nahi converted a second
half penalty to power Les Elephantes to a surprise victory.
With both teams already qualified for
the semis, the encounter held at the Massamba Debat Stadium in
Brazzaville was to determine the winners and runners-up of the group.
Mercy Amanze finished off a Chioma
Success assist with a shot past Ivorian goalie Cynthia Djohore to give
the Falcons the lead on 10 minutes. The Ivorians got the equaliser just
before the break through Rebecca Amoin, who dribbled past Nigeria
goalkeeper Oluehi Tochukwu before slamming into the yawning net.
Ivory Coast finished on nine points, Nigeria with six points and Tanzania and Congo in that order with a point each.
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