South Africa’s U-20s claimed the bronze of the ongoing 2019 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations defeating Nigeria 5-3 on penalties in the Third-Place match after full open play ended goalless in Niamey on Saturday, reports Completesports.com.
It was the first time South Africa finished third in the history of the competition after two fourth-place feats in 2009 and 2017.
Siphesihle Mkhize who scored South Africa’s first goal in the tournament netted the decisive spot kick to earn the Amajita a crucial win.
It was the third time that seven-time champions, Nigeria finished fourth in the competition.
The Flying Eagles finished fourth in 1979 and in 1981.
Both teams had earlier played out a goalless draw in their second Group A match of the competition.
Paul Aigbogun made five changes to the side that lost 4-3 on penalties to Mali in the semi-finals on Wednesday after regulation time scoreline ended 1-1.
Olawale Oremade, Utin Ikuowen, Yahaya Nafizi, Aniekeme Okon and Ibrahim Aliyu were dropped for Detan Ogundare, Mike Zaruma, Peter Eletu Igor Ogbu and Paschal Onyekachi.
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The Flying Eagles started off slowly and despite having more possession of the ball, failed to create a clear cut chance before the interval.
Eight minutes into the second half, Aigbogun hurled off Peter Eletu for Abubakar Ibrahim as he went in search of goals.
Effiom Maxwell came close to breaking the deadlock in the 65th minute with an overhead kick but his shot was saved by the South African goalkeeper.
As the Flying Eagles kept the pressure on, former Warri Wolves and Enyimba gaffer, Aigbogun also introduced Nazifi Yahaya with nine minutes left to play.
But it was South Africa who had a chance to score with a fast break, but they could not string the right passes, only forcing a save from Ogundare in goal for Nigeria.
During the penalty shootout, Luke Le Roux, Simphiwe Ncamani and Malebogo Modise scored for South Africa.
Jamil Muhammad, Maxwell Effiom and Mike Zaruma scored for Nigeria, while Ibrahim Alhassan missed his spot-kick.
By Johnny Edward
5 Comments
Thank God they lost, if not the Coach would have felt he is working. You see my complains, the players are devoid of talent, actually selected based on who know who or money change hand stuff or political/religious influenced things. Siasia will not go down this way even with these dull players, South South and well selected South East players will never bereft of ideas as these guys. We have played many competition as this but selection was much better. NFF lacked administrative prowess. Solution to these nonsense is regional camping and selection based on natural position free from bias, then, a sound Coach that is free from religious, nepotism, sectionalism, political assurance attitude. World Cup is loading,,,,which Naija!!!
an overhaul of the team is necessary. Our no 18(Abubakar), for instance was really poor.
When the team lost against Mali, I complained and said the players and the coach that selected them is not good. Some people on this site said we are just making ” unfounded complaint” I think they can see more clearly now that this team is washout.
Regardless of whatever counter position people may have, I still maintain that NFF league players who can’t trap ball should not be allowed to near the flying eagles. The coach should also be removed. Instead of working hard by going round all parts of Nigeria to select players, Aigbogun decided to select league players who obviously are overage if they are objectively scrutinized.
When we as Nigeria become tired of shambolic results in all sphere of life, we will stop taking excellence and objectivity to the slaughter slab to be slaughtered, while promoting and celebrating mediocrity.
NFF Remove Aigbogun now and disband these bereft of ideas flying eagles players now. Worst flying eagles coach and team in the history of u 20 football in Nigeria. What a shame. We cannot even beat common Mali and South Africa during regulation time. So tell me what are we going to do in the world cup with the likes of Germany, Brazil, Argentina etc.?
We are the giants of Africa in Diaspora up Naija!