The Flying Eagles of Nigeria stunned host nation Egypt 1-0 to win their first match of the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo on Wednesday.
The record champions of the tournament needed a towering header from left back Solomon Agbalaka in the last twenty minutes to secure the vital victory at the Cairo International Stadium.
The Young Pharaohs created numerous chances to go in front but they lacked the cutting edge to convert the opportunities.
The hosts were held to a goalless draw by Mozambique in the tournament opener and now sit in third place with a solitary point ahead of Saturday’s must win match against high flying Senegal.
Mahmoud Gaber’s team started on the front at the Cairo International with the support from their home faithful. Rafaat Khalid was a bright spark for the Egyptians down the left channel in the early exchanges of the Group A clash.
The speedy winger flashes a shot over the Flying Eagles goal inside 13 minutes before striker Bilal Abdelraham Zeeni headed over the post for the hosts.
Nigeria weathered the early Pharaohs storm at the lively Cairo International Stadium and came close after the half hour mark through Ibrahim Muhammad fierce effort.
The Flying Eagles stunned the Cairo International Stadium with a spectacular Solomon Agbalaka header to beat Mostafa Makhlouf in the Egyptian goal.
Solomon ran into Muhammad Aminu’s inswing corner to guide his header to the far post leaving the young Egyptian keeper Makhlouf with no chance.
The hosts pushed more players forward in search of the equaliser but the Flying Eagles held on to secure their first points of the tournament while Egypt rue their missed chances.
Credit CAF MEDIA
