News

Mali 2-0 Nigeria: Les Aigles end Super Eagles’ 49-year dominance in Morocco

Nigeria’s Super Eagles had their wings clipped at the Grande Stade de Marrakech on Friday, as Mali claimed a fine 2-0 victory over Finidi George’s men, Soccernet.ng reports

Goals from youngsters El Bilal Touré and Kamory Doumbia on either side of the interval handed Mali a memorable win over Nigeria in Morocco.

Nigeria, fresh from beating Ghana 2-1 inside the same stadium four days ago, were looking to make it six wins in their last nine games against the Malians. 

To that effect, coach Finidi George made four changes to the team that secured a 2-1 win over Ghana on Friday.

Moses Simon, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins, and Raphael Onyedika replaced Cyriel Dessers, Benjamin Tanimu, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Frank Onyeka in the starting eleven.

The Super Eagles looked to build up play from the back early on, but with Mali pressing high up the pitch, Nigeria always looked an error away from conceding the opening goal.

It happened in the 17th minute when a poor Chidozie Awaziem clearance left goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali at the mercy of El Bilal Touré, who made no mistake from close range.

Mali’s defence stood firm against Nigeria’s feeble attempt in attack, but when Simon broke through for a rare sight at goal, the Nantes winger failed to find the finishing touch his stunning run deserved.

Simon got injured in the process and was stretched out of the field, with Dessers replacing him.

Nigeria’s first real chance of the second half fell to the Glasgow Rangers striker, but he struck his effort well wide after Iheanacho had done well to create the chance following a swift counterattack.

The Super Eagles enjoyed a larger share of the possession in the second half, but the team lacked penetration on the wings and precision in attack. 

Mali made the three-time African champions pay for their lack of cutting-edge when 21-year-old Kamory Doumbia struck their second goal with three minutes left on the clock.

It ended two-nil in favour of Les Aigles, who claimed their first win over Nigeria since 1975, ending a 49-year wait. 

This post was last modified on %s = human-readable time difference 7:03 am

Imhons Erons

Share
Published by
Imhons Erons

Recent Posts

Afrobeats superstar snubs Victor Osimhen urges Arsenal to sign Ademola Lookman and Viktor Gyokeres next

Afrobeats superstar Odumodublvck has urged Arsenal to sign Viktor Gyokeres and Super Eagles forward Ademola… Read More

8 hours ago

“He’s the best striker in Turkïye” – Former Beşiktaş midfielder heaps praise on Osimhen, rates him higher than Moroccan striker

Former Beşiktaş and Turkïye midfielder, Sergen Yalçın has praised Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker, Victor… Read More

13 hours ago

Report: Napoli to set up Victor Osimhen’s move to AC Milan next summer

2022/2023 Italian Serie A Champions, Napoli, are looking to favour AC Milan in their pursuit… Read More

14 hours ago

“With all my heart” – Stanley Nwabali reveals South African club he would be willing to ditch Chippa United for

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has revealed that he would have loved to move to… Read More

14 hours ago

“Kelechi’s was clear” – Sevilla coach points to Iheanacho’s open-goal miss in Real Sociedad defeat (WATCH)

Sevilla manager García Pimienta singled out Kelechi Iheanacho's missed open-goal opportunity as a pivotal moment… Read More

16 hours ago

“On a higher level” – Atalanta boss lauds Lookman and two others in 3-0 win over Conte’s Napoli

Atalanta head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, has praised Ademola Lookman and two other attackers for… Read More

18 hours ago