Two goals and one assist were enough to make Nigeria’s Odion
Ighalo the man of the match as Nigeria’s Super Eagles edged out defending
champions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon to book a place in the quarter
finals of the AFCON 2019 tournament. The Nigerians appeared purposeful in the
very first minute of the game as the Cameroonians conceded a corner in the very
first minute. Nigeria gained composure and pushed forward in the first 10 minutes. Ahmed Musa won a corner in the 11th minute; the resultant
shot from Alex Iwobi however went wide.
A free kick in the 19th minute was the buildup as
the ball went to Kenneth Omeruo laid a pass for Odion Ighalo to tuck the ball
into the Cameroonian net.
By the 23rd minute, the Cameroonians had gained
their composure and they piled pressure. The Cameroonians had a chance in the
25th minute as Wilfred Ndidi’s pass went to Clinton Njie. Pierre Kunde
Malong however failed to change the scores as he fired over the bar. He would
later get the first yellow card of the game for a reckless charge on
Oghenekharo Etebo.
The Lions added more purpose to their highly physical game
and their efforts paid off in the 40th minute when Stephen Bahoken
scored from Christian Bassogog’s cross. The Cameroonians shocked the Eagles as Clinton
Njie scored their second goal in the 42nd minute.
The Super Eagles resumed the second half with a greater
hunger. Ola Aina tried to level up with a fast break from the back in the 52nd
minute. His solo effort however failed to make any difference as his shot went the
wrong way.
The Eagles kept the tempo on with Samuel Chukwueze coming in
for Moses Simon. Nigeria drew level in the 63rd minute when Chidozie
Awaziem’s cross was chested down by Ahmed Musa for Odion Ighalo whose left
volley was a clinical finish. Before the euphoria died down, the Eagles seized the
opportunity that availed itself as Iwobi sent the ball past goalkeeper Onana
just two minutes after they equalized. Nigeria’s defence came under higher pressure
in the last 10 minutes of the game; though the Eagles still tried to take the
battle to the Cameroonian defence too. A lovely connection between Iwobi,
Chukwueze and Awaziem set Musa up but his shot was blocked by Yaya Banana.
Ighalo’s header from the corner that resulted struck the upright bar in the 82nd
minute.
Kunde Malong was lucky to have escaped being shown a second
yellow card in the 85th minute. Apparently to save the situation,
Coach Clarence Seedorf pulled him off almost immediately. Zoua Jacques was
introduced in his place.
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