U20 AFCON Uganda 0 Nigeria 1 : Own goal hands Flying Eagles ticket to World Cup in Indonesia

Nigeria's U-20 national team, Flying Eagles, on Thursday booked their place in the semifinals of the 2023 CAF U-20 Africa  Cup of Nations in Egypt, reports All Nigeria Soccer. 

The Flying Eagles defeated Uganda 1-0 thanks to a first half own goal by Uganda's Ibrahim Juma. 

By reaching the semifinals and on course to win their 8th title, they have also clinched one of Africa's four tickets for the FIFA U-20 World Cup to be held in Indonesia between May 20 and June 11.

The Flying Eagles had the first half under control and piled on the pressure. 

Ibrahim Muhammad came closest to scoring for Nigeria as early as the third minute but his fierce shot was deflected and eventually cleared. 

Uganda's Ivan Irinimbabazi saw his powerful header from a corner kick saved by Nigeria's goalkeeper, Chijioke Aniagboso in the 8th minute, but only from two attempts. 

Uganda did have their few opportunities in the first half but the seven-time African champions broke the deadlock eventually with half an hour played when Mohammad's shot came off the foot of the post and inadvertently deflected off the unlucky Juma. 

Three minutes into the second half, Muhammad missed a gilt-edged chance to double the lead after getting past two markers but the East Africans managed to clear their lines. 

Benjamin Fredrick in the 54th minute of the game misjudged the flight of the ball in his duel with an opponent but recovered brilliantly to clear the ball. 

Chances were far and in-between for the Nigerian side but they resolutely denied the Ugandans a chance to equalize. 

Nigeria will face the winner between South Sudan and the Gambia who play on Friday evening.

Izuchukwu Michael

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