AFCON U20: Nigeria clinch last-gasp qualification!

In a nail-biting showdown, Nigeria U20 punched their ticket to the quarterfinals of the U20 AFCON after a thrilling 2-2 draw against a valiant Kenya side on Sunday, in the third round of Group B action.

The Nigerians finish second behind Morocco and continue their campaign, while the young Kenyans bow out of the competition with heads held high.

Right from the opening minutes, Nigeria were caught cold. The well-organized Kenyans struck first, with Wangaya coolly converting a penalty in the 6th minute.

However, the Nigerian response was swift: in the 13th minute, Arierhi restored parity. One goal apiece was the score as the teams headed to the dressing rooms.

Kenya exit the U20 AFCON with pride

The second half was just as fiercely contested, with both teams trading blows. Kenya pulled ahead once again through Gitamu, who seized his chance in the 68th minute.

As the pressure mounted, Nigeria finally earned a penalty in the 73rd minute, which captain Bameyi slotted home to level the game.

The scoreline remained unchanged despite a flurry of late chances on both sides. With this draw, Nigeria finish second in the group and scrape through to the quarterfinals. Kenya, though eliminated, can hold their heads high after a brave display against one of the tournament favorites.

Here is the final Group B standings:

1. Morocco: 7 pts (Qualified)
2. Nigeria: 5 pts (Qualified)
3. Tunisia: 3 pts (Eliminated)
4. Kenya: 1 pt (Eliminated)

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.