Senegal edged Nigeria 1-0 to occupy top spot in Group A of the Total Energies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo on Sunday. The Young Teranga Lions started strong in midfield with Lamine Camara and captain Samba Diallo pulling the strings for the WAFU-A champions. Senegal made their intentions known from the opening minutes with striker Pape Diallo causing mayhem in the Nigerian box.
The Cubs then broke the deadlock five minutes before the break courtesy of Sulaymane Faye’s close-range finish. The lanky forward was the quickest to respond to Pape Diop’s low effort which Nwosu turned to his path, and he made no mistake to stick home the opportunity.
The second half was more open as Nigeria pushed for the equalizer, but the Cubs defended well to keep a clean sheet. The Flying Eagles were reduced to 10 men following Ahmed Abdullahi’s sending off in the closing stages of the match. The substitute was shown a straight red card for a high foot challenge on a Senegalese. Senegal missed two late chances to increase their tally through second half substitute Mame Libasse Ngom. The Guediawaye FC forward failed to hit the target twice when he beat the keeper to the ball only to fire over the goal.
The defeat leaves Ladan Bosso’s boys bottom of the group after match day one. The flying eagles next face host, Egypt in Cairo on Wednesday. The Egyptians will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing draw to Mozambique on the opening match day.
