Flying Eagles of Nigeria have been denied the chance of winning the U-20 AFCON for the eighth time as they lost to Mali on penalties on Wednesday. Both teams were tied at 1-1 after the second extra time which saw Nigeria losing on penalties 3-4.
The Malians scored the opening goal in the 78th minute before Nigeria equalised just 8 minutes before the end of regular time through Pascal Durugbor. The Nigerian players played sleek and beautiful football but the Malians were up to the task and defended well. Both teams did not create any scoring chances before the penalty hour came upon them.
Valentine Uzornwafor and Okon Aniekeme lost their penalties in the shootout for Mali to go through to only their second final of this U20 championship. It was a revenge mission for the Malians who had lost to Nigeria in the semifinal of the U20 WAFU Cup in Togo in December.
The Flying Eagles will now play the losers’ final on Saturday.
