Mali opened their Group B account of the Orange CAF U-20 African Championship with a calculated 1-0 win over Nigeria at Ahmed Zabana stadium in Oran.

Nigeria dominated ball possession and created more chances but Mali were efficient and defended in numbers. It was against the run of play in the 13th minute that striker Adama Niane scored a poacher’s goal from inside the Nigeria penalty box to give the Eaglets the lead.

Stung by the goal the Flying Eagles of Nigeria peppered Malian goal with striker Olarenwaju Kayode keeping the defenders busy.

Kayode had the ball in the back of the net from a header after 27th minutes by he had scored from an off-side position and Mali’s lead remained intact.

The second half was pretty much the same story with Nigeria crafting chance after but failing to find the back of the net. The best of the chance fell to Edafe Egbedi but he missed an open goal with a header that went wide.

Nigeria continued to fluff chances and on 68 minutes Kayode should have scored when he latched on to a cross from influential substitute Salisu Gero but Kayode attempted a flick which didn’t come to anything allowing Yirango to make an easy save

Ten minutes from the end the Flying Eagles were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box but captain Abduljeleel Ajagun blazed yet another effort over the cross bar.

On 85th minute Gero chested down a through ball and with only the keeper to beat he shotwide from inside the box and Mali survived another nervous moment and hung on for a precious win.
 
(Source: cafonline.com)