Qatar 2022: Minnows, Central African Republic, Defeats Super Eagles In Lagos

By Akinwale Kasali

The vociferous fans of the Super Eagles of Nigeria were silenced by the 92nd minute strike of Central African Republic midfielder, Karl Namnganda, to give the lowly rated team a victory at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria.

The Super Eagles were stunned by the goal late in the match – when most fans had settled for a draw with their opponent.

Coach Gernot Rohr’s devastation was obvious as the ball hit the net, and was so glaring when the Center Referee signaled the end of the tensed match.

As expected, the Super Eagles dominated the match to the delight of their fans, who knew that the only thing missing throughout the 90 minutes of the match, was a goal for the home team, until the last gasp strike by Namnganda which spoilt the mood of the fans.

The Super Eagles started the game with Francis Uzoho in goal in place of Maduka Okoye who had been in goal for the previous matches.

Leon Balogun, William Troost Ekong, Olaoluwa Aina and Jamiu Collins started in the defence line.

Joe Aribo, Chidera Ejuke, Frank Onyeka and Moses Simeon played in the midfield, while Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Osimhen played upfront.

Discovering that the goal wasn’t coming, Rohr replaced in-form Union Berlin Football Club of Germany Striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, with Iheanacho, Moses Simeon for Kalu Uche and Ahmed Musa for Joe Aribo, but all the three substituted couldn’t save the three-time African Cup of Nations Champions from defeat.

In the other Group C match, the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde recorded an away 1-2 win against Liberia to keep their hopes alive in qualifying for the world showpiece.

With the victory, Cape Verde are now second behind Nigeria who despite the loss still sits atop the log table.

Cape Verde and Central African Republic have four points apiece, while Liberia have just three points.

The next round of matches will see Nigeria playing a return leg against Central African Republic in Douala, Cameroon, with Cape Verde hosting Liberia in Mindelo in three days time.