Mali defeat Nigeria in AFCON U20 semifinal

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday evening were defeated by Mali U20 National Male Team in the semifinal of the ongoing U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Niamey, Niger Republic.

The Flying Eagles were at their best in the thrilling encounter, coming back from a goal deficit to restore parity to themselves, before loosing the game in the penalty shootout.
<
The first half of the encounter ended goalless, but Mali were the first to score in the second half via a great goal from Mamadou Traore in the 76th minute, thanks to Drame for the assist.

The Flying Eagles did their best to equalise the goal four minutes to the end of normal time, Paschal Onyechachi Durugbor got the equaliser for the Aigbogun led side.
The game ended draw in the normal time. The extra time of the game also ended goalless.

Nigeria converted three of their five penalties, while Mali converted four out of five, no thanks Aniekeme Okon who lost Nigeria last kick, the penalty shootout ended 3-4 in favour of Mali.

On the other hand, Senegal defeated South Africa 1-0 to set a date with Mali in the final, this will be the second meeting between both teams in this competition.

Nigeria will now face South Africa in the third-place match.

After the entire game time, Mali defeated Nigeria on penalties by 3-4, following a 1-1 in the normal time.

By Oladele Emmanuel Abiodun