Nigeria safely into last eight
Wednesday, February 4, 2004
Article summary
Nigeria reached the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations, finishng second in Group D behind Morocco.
Article body
Nigeria reached the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations with a 2-1 win against Benin in Group D.
Victory required
Nigeria, who began their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Morocco before defeating South Africa 4-0 on Saturday, kicked off in Sfax knowing that only a victory would guarantee their place in the last eight.
Close-range finish
However, group outsiders Benin held firm for 35 minutes before former Roda JC midfield player Garba Lawal chested down and prodded the ball into the net with his left foot to put Nigeria in front from close range.
Defensive error
It was not until 14 minutes from time that Nigeria were able to give themselves some breathing space as FC Girondins de Bordeaux defender Anicet Adjamossi attempted to dribble his way out of trouble inside his own penalty area. Adjamossi was dispossessed and RC Lens striker John Utaka was left with a simple finish to make the score 2-0.
Late consolation
Nigeria were forced to endure a tense finish to the match with Benin scoring their first goal of the tournament as FC Energie Cottbus midfield player Moussa Latoundji was left unmarked to volley in a 90th-minute consolation.
Mayo well-placed
Nigeria finished with six points, one behind Group D winners Morocco who played out a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Sousse. Needing to win to keep alive their slender hopes of progressing, South Africa took the lead midway through the first half as Moroccan goalkeeper Khalid Fouhami – who plays his club football in Portugal with AA Coimbra – misjudged a cross and Patrick Mayo was on hand to capitalise.
Important equaliser
However, Morocco were level before half-time, as FC Sochaux Montbéliard striker Jaouad Zairi was brought down by Neil Winstanley and Coventry City FC midfield player Youssef Safri scored from the spot.
Quarter-final lineup
Morocco meet Algeria in the quarter-finals on Sunday, while Nigeria face Cameroon in Monastir the same day. The first two quarter-finals are played the preceding day, with hosts Tunisia taking on Senegal and Mali playing Guinea.
