Monday’s semi-final match of the ongoing Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt saw Nigeria’s Flying Eagles fall to their Gambian opponents 0-1.
The Nigerian team dominated the game, holding 62% of the ball compared to 38% for the Gambians, which took part in it at the Cairo International Stadium.
They missed the last match with a chance to earn a record-breaking eighth title, though, as a result of their failure to strike the mark.
After seven minutes, the Flying Eagles were penalized for their too loose style of play in the opening minutes of the game.
The goal was scored at that point by Adama Bojang, who took advantage of a loose ball left behind by a misjudged header in Nigeria’s defence.
After the deficit, the Nigerian team stepped up their game, controlling ball possession, coming up with all the risky plays, and putting the Young Scorpions on the back foot.
Even when Gambia played with 10 men for a short while before the game’s end, the team’s inability to link well between the wingers and strikers prevented them from tying the score.
The other semi-final match took place at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, where Senegal had earlier defeated Tunisia 3-0 to advance to the championship game.
After defeating the Young Carthage to earn a spot in the championship game, the Teranga Cubs dominated the semifinal contest.
Senegal advanced to the final thanks to two goals from Lamine Camara, a recent FC Metz signee, and a spectacular shot from Pape Diop.
The Gambia will now compete against the three-time runners-up in the championship game on Saturday.
At the Cairo International Stadium, the decisive game is set to take place.
