Dream Team Book Their Ticket For Olympic Games, Beat Senegal In Semis

Emmanuel Daniel emerged as the hero as Nigeria secured their passage to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games with a one-nil victory over ten-man Senegal in the first semi-final of the 2015 CAF U23 Championship at the Stade Lepold Sedar Senghor on Wednesday.

The Enugu Rangers goalie produced smart saves including a late penalty stop in the first half as the Samson Siasia managed side qualified for the final of the competition.

Nigeria were presented with the first opportunity in the 2nd minute, as match winner Oghenekaro Etebo saw his free-kick punched to safety by goalkeeper Pape Seydou Ndiaye.

The Senegalese team started to put Nigeria under series of pressure with the trio of Ismaila Sarr, Ibrahima Sory Keita and Chiekhou Dieng being denied by Daniel on numerous occasions.

Daniel came to his team’s rescue in the 12th and 17th minutes respectively.  The shot-stopper did well to deny Keita and Dieng.

Nigeria struggled against the physical hosts who were robust in their approach.

The quartet of Chizoba Amaefule, Sincere Seth, Segun Oduduwa and Ndifreke Effiong stood firm in defence for Siasia’s team, no wonder they kept another clean in the tournament.

Against the run of play, Nigeria almost took the lead when Kufre Ebong failed to capitalise on a loss of concentration on the part of Senegal.

Senegal continued to push for the curtain raiser and were awarded a penalty kick in the 45th minute of the first half.

However, the reliable Daniel guessed right to stop Keita’s weak effort.

Keita could have scored for Senegal on a one-on-one situation in the 58th minute but the forward failed to trouble Daniel between the sticks.

Daniel was the saviour again for Nigeria with a world class catch as the lurking Cissokkho tried to score.

The Nigerian boys who failed to qualify for London 2012 threw everything at Senegal in the closing stages and found the winner.

There was a mix-up between goalkeeper Ndiaye and Osseynou Thioune, leading to the defender handling the ball under pressure from Ebong. The match referee gave the player his marching orders and pointed to the penalty spot.

Skipper of the Nigerian side, Etebo stepped up to convert beyond the reach of Ndiaye in the 77th minute.

Siasia’s boys survived a late onslaught from the Senegalese team and secured their spot in the final of the Championship.

Nigeria will face the winner of the Algeria vs South Africa clash this weekend.