By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria failed to reach the final of the 18th Africa U20 Cup of Nations after South Africa triumphed in the first semi-final of the competition.
While the South African side will play the winner between Egypt and Morocco in the second semi-final, Nigeria will now face the loser in the third-place match on Sunday.
How Flying Eagles’ Cookies Crumbled
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria started with intensity and physical presence but lacked coordination and composure in the final third, as several opportunities went begging.
Forward Kparobo Arierhi failed to connect with a teasing cross from Clinton Jephta in the 22nd minute, then missed the target from six yards with only the goalkeeper to beat on the half-hour mark.
Three minutes later, Thabang Mahlangu nearly capitalised on Amajita’s first real attack when goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt missed an inswinger, but captain Daniel Bameyi cleared the ball from danger.
Arierhi, constantly finding himself in scoring positions, blasted another Jephta cross over the bar in the 37th minute. Two minutes later, after turning his marker, his shot was deflected away from goal.
On the hour mark, Nigeria lost their dependable goalkeeper Harcourt to injury. One minute later, substitute goalkeeper Ajia Yakub almost fumbled a simple cross with Kgomotso Madiba lurking.
The costly error came five minutes later, when Yakub misjudged a pull-out and defender Tylon Smith rose above him to head the ball into the net.
Opportunities fell to substitutes Mendos Rickson and Auwal Ibrahim later in the game, but none were converted.
