AAG: U-23 Eagles beat Ghana, zoom into semifinal

In from Nifemi Daniel …
Nigeria U-23 Eagles on Wednesday got off their campaign on a winning note courtesy a 2-0 win over rivals Ghana at the Unity Stadium, Kintele, thereby qualifying for the semifinal of the competition.
Junior Ajayi and Kingsley Sokari each scored in the second half to ensure the maximum points for the Nigerians, and go top of Group B with three points.
The defeat leaves Ghana, the defending champions’ hope of progressing hanging by a thread after bagging just a point from two games. Nigeria will face Senegal on Saturday in the ultimate match. Senegal and Ghana have a point each.
Nigeria dictated the pace of the game from the onset asking the Ghanaian defence several questions. Their control of the midfield led to pressure on the Black Meteors backline forcing goalkeeper Samuel Ofori, the busier of the two shot stoppers, to make a couple of saves.

Despite the dominance, there was no clear cut chance for the Nigerians in the opening half with erratic shooting upfront serving their bane.

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Samson Siasia’s charges resumed on the same tempo and their efforts finally yielded dividends on 55 minutes. Aminu Umar profited from a swift counter before crossing to Ajayi, who tapped home for the opener.
Down by a goal, the Ghanaians lifted up their game but barely threatened the Nigerians, who continue to remain dangerous on the break.
Sokari sealed victory three minutes from time with the second goal, lobbing past Ofori from a Azubuike Okechukwu assist.
The winner of the group and runner-up will qualify for the semis.

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