CAIRO — Hosts Egypt crashed out of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations at the group stage after they were torn apart by Senegal 4-0. Nigeria defeated Mozambique 2-0 to qualify for the quarter-finals.
The Flying Eagles join Senegal in the quarter-finals of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations while Egypt and Mozambique crashed out.
Senegal stuns Egypt 4-0
Senegal had already qualified for the quarter-finals before facing Mahmoud Gaber’s Young Pharaohs in the final Group A fixture at the Cairo International Stadium.
The match came to life in the second-half following a close tactical first period which failed to produce a goal with Sulaymane Faye’s effort the only real opportunity in the opening half.
Malick Daf made few changes to his starting lineup with captain Samba Diallo starting on the bench while Mame Faye and Djibril Diarra were given a starting berth.
The changes didn’t affect the Young Teranga Lions from enjoying possession and chances in the Egyptian capital.
The Egyptians were more enterprising after the restart as they tried to force Senegal behind. Khaled Awad came close for the hosts but Senegal goalkeeper Landing Badji was on alert.
The West Africans took control and went ahead through promising talent Pape Diop’s diving header to beat the keeper on the hour mark.
Substitute Ibou Sane doubled the Teranga Lions’ lead when he profited from a mistake by Ahmed Reda in the Egyptian defense to slot home on 69 minutes.
The in-form Pape Diop scored twice in three minutes to complete his hat trick and give Senegal a deserved 4-0 lead.
The Belgium based forward showed composure and class in his finishing to put the match to bed.
The result eliminated Egypt and Mozambique who lost 2-0 to Nigeria in Ismailia.
The two teams finished with a solitary point while Senegal topped the group with 9 points and Nigeria in second with 6 points.
Nigeria beats Mozambique
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria defeated Mozambique 2-0 in Ismailia to qualify for the quarter-finals.
Ladan Bosso’s charges scored two sumptuous goals in the first-half through Samson Lawal and Ibrahim Muhammad to secure second place in Group A.
The record seven time champions of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations moved six points while Senegal tops the group with nine points following their 4-0 thumping of host nation Egypt in Cairo.
The Nigerians dominated possession at Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia and came as no surprise when they sealed the comfortable victory at full-time.
Ibrahim Muhammad tested the Mozambican keeper with a speculative shot from distance after five minutes to demonstrate the intentions of the Flying Eagles.
Kimiss Zavala was well positioned to gather the effort as the Young Os Mambas weathered the early Flying Eagles pressure.
Ladan Bosso’s charges continue to pile pressure on Mozambique with Haliru Sarki and Ibrahim Muhammad providing width to the Nigerian attack.
The Nigerians created half chances through Haliru Sarki whose half volley came off a Mozambican defender after 20 minutes.
Kimiss Zavala pulled a smart one handed save to deny Ayuba Abubakarr from giving the Flying Eagles the lead in Ismailia.
The lively Ibrahim Muhammad played in Abubakarr who controlled the ball with his back to goal before firing straight at Kimiss who made himself big.
Nigeria broke the deadlock through Samson Lawal on 32 minutes with a stupendous strike from distance to beat the helpless Kimiss Zavala.
The PRO Success Football Academy forward latched on to a quick interchange of passes between fullback Augustine Njoku and Haliru Sarki before beating Kimiss with a powerful strike.
The Flying Eagles doubled their lead four minutes before halftime through Ibrahim Muhammad’s sumptuous strike from outside the area.
Muhammad Aminu cut in from the left to release the Cartagena FC striker who had a touch to set himself before beating Kimiss to make it 2-0.
The second half was an even contest with Mozambique playing on the break while Nigeria ring changes to give playing time to other members of the squad.
Substitute Jude Sunday saw his ferocious effort turned over by the busy Kimiss Zavala ten minutes into the second half.
Another Nigerian substitute Olamilekan Adams forced a save from Kimiss as Ladan Bosso’s charges pushed more men forward.
The Young Os Mambas’ only real opportunity came late on through substitute Jose Rabelina Zavala close range effort.
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