U20 Afcon South Africa 1 Nigeria 0: Flying Eagles miss out on final after goalkeeping blunder

South Africa edged Nigeria 1-0 at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismaila to book their place in the final of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, dashing the Flying Eagles’ hopes of an eighth continental title. 

Despite dominating much of the contest and creating several chances, Nigeria were undone by a second-half goal stemming from a costly error by substitute goalkeeper Yakub, who replaced the injured Ebenezer Harcourt.

The Flying Eagles started brightly, controlling possession and firing 10 shots in the first half alone. Clinton Jephta, Kparobo Arierhi, and Tahir Maigana all went close, with Arierhi striking the crossbar and Maigana curling an effort inches wide.

However, Nigeria’s profligacy in front of goal came back to haunt them after the break. In the 69th minute, a floated cross into the box saw Yakub fail to claim the ball under no pressure, allowing South Africa’s Smith to head home into an empty net.

Aliyu Zubairu’s team pushed for an equaliser, with Auwal Ibrahim and Emmanuel Chukwu both going close in the dying minutes, but South Africa’s defence and goalkeeper held firm. 

Nigeria’s frustrations were compounded by a yellow card for Odinaka Okoro, who will now miss their third-place playoff.

Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt had earlier been pivotal in Nigeria’s run to the semi-finals, notably saving two penalties in the quarter-final win over Senegal. 

His injury and Yakub’s error proved decisive in a tightly contested match.

While Nigeria created the better chances, they ultimately lacked the cutting edge in front of goal, having scored just three times in the tournament. 

South Africa, unbeaten since their opening game, will now aim to secure their first U-20 AFCON title.

Nigeria will play for bronze in the third-place match.

Wale Adejumo

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