AFCON Under-20: Flying Eagles Defeat Tunisia To Win Bronze

By Akinwale Kasali

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria ended the Under-20 African Youth Championship in Egypt with a Third Place Match win over the Junior Carthage Eagles of Tunisia to claim Bronze at the continental showpiece.

Having lost its semi final match to Gambia, the Coach Ladan Bosso-led Team knew that it won’t be palatable returning home without a Medal. They  went all out to annihilate the Tunisians 4-0.

Ibrahim Muhammad opening the scoring for the Flying Eagles in the 26th minute after tapping in a cross from David Bameyi to give the Nigerian side the lead.

All through the first half, the Flying Eagles dictated the pace and flow of the match, as it failed to convert its chances.

As at the 30th minute of the encounter, the Tunisians had made two substitutions as it was unable to curtail the pressure mounted by the West African nation.

The first half ended 1-0. As the center referee signaled the commencement of the second half, within 30 seconds of resumption, striker, Ahmed Abdullahi added the second goal with a sublime finish to give the Seven Time AFCON Under-20 Champions a two goal advantage.

Three minutes later, a solo run from Jude Sunday gave the Flying Eagles the third goal to take the match beyond the Tunisians who were depleted after coming two goals in quick succession.

After the third goal, the Flying Eagles decided to keep possession of the ball, making the Tunisians chase the ball.

Late in the game, a good interplay by the midfielders gave Jude Sunday is brace of the match to seal the game at 4-0.

With the victory, Nigeria has won the Bronze and qualified for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup slated for Indonesia in few months time.

Senegal and Gambia will jostle for the coveted trophy when they trade tackles at the AFCON Under-20 grand finale slated for tomorrow.

The teams that will hoist the continents flag at the World Youth Tournament are; Nigeria, Gambia, Senegal and Tunisia.