Nigeria 2-1 South Africa

It was sweet revenge but most importantly bronze medal success after Nigeria beat South Africa 2-1 in the battle for third place of the 16th African Youth Championship yesterday at the Regional stadium, Nyamirambo.

George Maluleka gave South Africa’s Amajita an eighth minute lead but goals from Ibrahim Rabiu (16) and Frank Temile (45) helped The Flying Eagles to avenge defeat against a side that beat them in the group stage.

In the group stage, South Africa came from behind to complete a deserved 2-1 win but the story was the other way round yesterday.

Maluleka, who netted the winner for South Africa in the group game was again a constant threat for the Nigerian defence, he hit the crossbar and wasted a handful of glorious scoring chances.

Debutant keeper Okafor Uche pulled off a couple of important saves and the defence made a number of desperate clearances as the Amajitas pressed for the equalizer, but it wasn’t to come.

Despite South Africa’s dominance for most part of the game, Nigerian players managed to hold their nerves frantically to lead their country to a third third-place AYC following successes in 1981 and 1995. 

And at full time, you could sense relief for the Nigerians, yet the South African were left cursing and crying because and indeed so, they didn’t deserve to lose, or at least they way they did in a game they clearly dictated.

Ends