The Nigeria U20 team secured their passage to the next round of the ongoing CAF U20 AFCON with a hard fought 2-2 draw against Kenya in their final group game, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Kenya took an early lead when Nigerian defender Emmanuel Chukwu handled the ball in the box and after a VAR review a penalty was awarded, which Kévin Wangaya Injehu converted after six minutes.
Their lead lasted for only eight minutes with Kparobo Arierhi leveling with a fine finish following good work by Simon Cletus, as his well weighted pass met the striker with the easiest of finishes in the box.
Nigeria failed to build on the momentum of drawing level and were soon behind when an unmarked William Gitamu stole in at the far post to stab home a well delivered free kick. Once again Nigeria responded this time around from the spot with captain Daniel Bameyi sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Bameyi stepped to dispatch the spot kick awarded to Nigeria after a foul on substitute Rickson Mendous. The game ended in a stalemate but also secured Nigeria’s passage to the next round as they finished second behind group winners Morocco.
Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle was among the spectators who watched the game following his arrival in Egypt yesterday.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
