The Flying Eagles of Nigeria had a bad start to their campaign at the 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt after falling to Senegal 1-0 in their opening Group A match on Sunday at the Cairo International stadium.
Senegal’s first victory of the competition was secured by a late goal by Souleymane Faye in the first half.
As a result of replacement Ahmed Abdullahi’s unsportsmanlike conduct dismissal in stoppage time, the Flying Eagles concluded the game with 10 men.
The Flying Eagles’ first significant opportunity came after 21 minutes, but the effort inside the box was successfully stopped.
Adams Alade headed a perilous cross from the right in the 32nd minute, and it hit the net’s roof.
On minute 34, Senegal was given a decent-sized free kick, but Flying Eagles goalie Nathaniel Nwosu rushed out to grab the ball.
Souleymane Faye scored the game’s first goal for Senegal in the 40th minute after Nwosu had stopped Pape Diop’s original low attempt.
The Flying Eagles were forced to make an early substitute when Daniel Daga left the game with a knock with two minutes remaining in the first half and was replaced by Nicholas Jonathan.
Senegal was awarded a free kick three minutes into the second half, but the dangerous floating effort took a little deflection from a Flying Eagles player and rolled away for a corner.
Senegal continued to have opportunities, and on the 56th minute, a Flying Eagles player did well enough to divert a dangerous cross for a corner.
As the Flying Eagles received a free kick near to the Senegalese team’s box in minute 64, Emmanuel Uchegbu struck the ball with his left foot against the wall.
A Flying Eagles player attempted a long left foot shot in the 69th minute, but the Senegalese goalkeeper saved it.
On minute 71, Senegal nearly increased their advantage, but Lamine Camara’s attempt was off-target.
A Flying Eagles defender made a quick clearing inside the penalty area four minutes from time, preventing a Senegalese player from having a shot at goal.
The Flying Eagles had their first opportunity at goal in the 88th minute, but the Senegalese goalkeeper made a great save.
Following a mix-up between the Flying Eagles goalkeeper and his defender on the 93rd minute, Senegal nearly took a 2-0 lead, but Mame Ngom’s shot flew over the crossbar.
Ngom squandered another excellent opportunity a minute later when, after around the goalkeeper, he watched his shot just miss the crossbar.
Also, during added time, Ahmed Abdullahi, a substitute, was dismissed for punching a Senegalese player in the face.
As they play host Egypt on February 22, the Ladan Bosso-led team will look to get over their loss to Senegal.
While everything was going on, Egypt and Mozambique’s opening match of the tournament, which was also played on Sunday, ended in a scoreless draw.
