Mali Humble Nigeria at CHAN 2014

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, Sports News Saturday, January 11th, 2014

By Demola Aluko

Nigeria’s home based Super Eagles today lost their first match 2-1 to their Malian counterparts at the on-going CHAN 2014 in South Africa.

Mali vs Nigeria at the ongoing CHAN 2014

The Eagles of Mali capitalized on Nigeria’s scrappy start to the game when Abdoulaye Sissoko opened scoring for the West African country in the 18th minute after the Super Eagles gave the ball away in their own yard.

The Malians were obviously the better side in the fist half as they dominated a Nigerian team who did not seem to understand one-another, especially in the midfield.

Adama Traore sealed victory for Mali 5 minutes into the second half. Sidibe chipped the ball towards Traore, who apparently was unmarked for the forward and the forward unleashed a convincing shot past the Nigerian goalkeeper.

The Super Eagles looked to set to stage a come-back when Substitute Gbolahan Salami converted Rabiu Ali’s free-kick four minutes later, scoring with a powerful header.

Although, the Nigerians put up a fairly better performance in the second half, but their efforts were not enough to redeem the scoreline against their opponents, who unarguably deserved the win.

Nigeria’s next game is againt Mozambique before taking on their South African counterparts in their last group.