Nigeria on Wednesday beat Sudan 1-0
to face hosts Morocco in the final of the 2018 African
Nations Championship on Sunday.
Gabriel Okechukwu gave the Super Eagles the
victory.
Goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa was
injured in the 10th minute, forcing Nigeria assistant coach Salisu Yusuf,
who is in charge of the CHAN 2018 assignment, to replace him with Plateau
United goalkeeper Dele Ajiboye.
Nigeria started the stronger side and went ahead
in the 16th minute. Anthony Okpotu flicked on a pass from the midfield
which Okechukwu converted easily.
The Sudanese grew into the game but were denied
by the heroics of Ajiboye while the Eagles wasted chances to increase the score.
In the second half, Sudan continued to attack
with Nigeria having a handful of opportunities. However, in the 59th minute
Ifeanyi Ifeanyi was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Sudan failed to take make use of the numerical
advantage. But the North Africans were reduced to 10 men in the 86th minute
when Bakri Bachir was sent off for a foul on goal-bound Dayo Ojo.
A late rally in the additional time by Sudan was
thwarted by Ajiboye for a victory for the Eagles.
Post A Comment: