Nigeria’s Flying Eagles were defeated 0-1 by their Gambian counterparts in the semi-finals of the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt on Monday.
The Nigerians dominated the match, which was played at the Cairo International Stadium, with 62% possession compared to 38% for the Gambians.
However, they missed the mark and have paid the price by missing out on the final match for a record eighth title win.
The Flying Eagles were too casual in the first few minutes of the game and were punished for it after seven minutes.
That was when Adama Bojang capitalised on a loose ball from a misdirected header in Nigeria’s defence to score.
The Nigerian team did step up their play after going behind, dominating ball possession, creating all the dangerous plays, and putting the Young Scorpions on the back foot.
But the poor connection between the wingers and the strikers made it difficult for the team to equalise, even with Gambia playing with 10 men for few minutes before the end of the game.
Earlier, Senegal had thrashed Tunisia 3-0 to reach the final match of the competition in the other semi-final match at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia.
The Teranga Cubs won the semi-final match emphatically after beating the Young Carthage to secure their place in the final.
Two goals from new FC Metz recruit Lamine Camara and a sumptuous strike by Pape Diop were enough to send Senegal to the final.
The three-time runners-up will now face The Gambia in the final on Saturday.
The final match is scheduled to take place at the Cairo International Stadium. (NAN)
