AFCON 2015: Eagles in final fight for qualification ticket The Super Eagles are literally just 90 minutes away from securing qualification for the 2015 Africa Cup Nations to be staged in Equatorial Guinea. After a poor start in the qualifiers which saw the reigning African champions garner just one point from three games; Coach Stephen Keshi’s tutored side looks to have finally found it’s bearing and need just one more win to be assured of their place at next year’s AFCON. Standing in-between Nigeria and qualification is South Africa’s Bafana Bafana who some say are ready to play the spoilers for the Eagles in Wednesday’s clash at the newly commissioned Akwa Ibom International Stadium in Uyo. The South Africans say they want to protect their unbeaten run in the qualifying series having gone five matches without any defeat and would thus give a fierce fight despite having qualified to compete at the the 2015 Nations Cup . Nigeria fully aware that only victory will do, have on their part promised to throw in all they’ve got to make sure they complete the set mission of not disappointing the over 170 million passionate fans rooting for them to go defend the title they won last year in South Africa. It is worth noting that the South African male team have never beaten Nigeria in any competitive game, the last time both teams played each other was in Cape Town and the game ended 0-0. Stay here with Premium Times for live updates on the epic clash coming up in Uyo. Kick off 6pm Bafana Bafana starting XI vs Nigeria: Darren Keet (GK), Eric Mathoho, Tefu Mashamaite, Sibusiso Khumalo, Anele Ngcongca, Oupa Manyisa, Dean Furman (Cap), Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Mandla Masango, Tokelo Rantie, Bongani Ndulula Substitutes: Brilliant Khuzwayo (GK), Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Rivaldo Coetzee, Andile Jali, Kermit Erasmus, Themba Zwane, Lehlohonolo Majoro Live Commentaries 15.51 Keshi makes two changes for Bafana clash 16.19 Head Coach Stephen Keshi has made two changes in the Super Eagles starting lineup for Wednesday’s clash against South Africa. Kenneth Omeruo and Raheem Lawal are the only two players that did not start the game against Congo that have now been given the nod for the must-win clash against the South Africans. As expected goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama is leading the Eagles while Ik Uche and Emmanuel Emenike are leading the attack as the reigning African champions gun for goals. Eagles XI vs Bafana Bafana. Enyeama, Efe, Omeruo, Egwuekwe, Oshaniwa; Onazi, Lawal, Mikel; Uche, Musa, Emenike 16.50 Pre-Match analysis Nigeria has an enormous striking force which can cause major upset for the Bafana Bafana. The defence line of South Africa will be on the lookout for these players because any major mistake could prove lethal. Ikechukwu Uche’s return to the Eagles squad could pay off at the end for the Super Eagles as his form with his current club is highly unprecedented and he could likely cause an upset. Emenike cannot be written off as well. His strength can throw the South African defenders off balance. In the Eagles rank also is the former Kano Pillars and current CSKA Moscow winger, Ahmed Musa, whose elegant cross can find the foot of Emenike, and he can likely find the back of the net as well. The new kid on the block, Aaron Samuel, has impressed so far for the Eagles and may be looking to establish himself in Keshis squad as a starter instead of the super-sub role he currently enjoys. 17.00 Its less than an hour to kick-off in Uyo. The statistics are sure in favour of the Super Eagles who have beaten South Africa in all their home games played in the country. 1992 - 4-0 2000 - 2-0 2004 - 4-0 2008 - 2-0 17.03 Nigeria will likely qualify only if they beat South Africa comfortably as any goal by Congo in the other group game against Sudan could lead to the Eagles not qualifying for the tournament on goal difference rule. We can only hope that Sudan, which sits below the table, would beat Congo. 17.14 South Africa can also cause an upset as they have never beaten Nigeria. They will definitely want to make history: not just beating Nigeria but doing so Nigeria at home. And bottom placed Sudan as well will want to make a point: getting maximum points from their match with the Red Devils of Congo. 17.37 Super Eagles in high spirits but need Lady Luck - Keshi Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi has said that the spirit in camp is very high and that he has urged the players to play like they did in Congo last Saturday. I think it’s the spirit that we had in Congo, he told journalists today in Uyo. We need lady luck to be on our side and complete the whole situation, I know the boys are ready to go. They know what is at stake.” He also expressed his regret over Hope Akpan who had to leave the camp for England due to the shoulder injury he picked during an away match in Congo this past weekend. We will miss him, but I think we have other players that can do the thing but I would have love him to be here. But this is football and it happens! he said. 17.57 Players of both sides are on the pitch, lined up. National anthems of both sides have been sung. Time for the showdown proper. 18.06 In other matches DRC 3-1 Sierra Leone The Leopards finish 3rd in Group D and currently the third best placed team. Côte dIvoire 0-0 Cameroon The Elephants finish second in Group D & qualify for Equatorial Guinea 2015 Group F: Cape Verde and Zambia are through. The Blue Sharks, also group winners. Mozambique & Niger out of running for #AFCON 2015 Group G: Tunisia, Senegal already qualified 18.09 5 minutes into the match, South Africa have had the upper hand. The first strike, at 3 saw the Bafana Bafana miss a goal by the whiskers. 18.09 7 Ahmed Musa opens opportunity for Nigeria. Hits the crossbar. 18.10 The match is now underway. Ninety anxious minutes stand between Nigeria and qualification for 2015 AFCON 18.11 A corner to the Bafana Bafana. It is the first of this match. It has been taken, but safely headed into the arms of Vincent Enyeama. 18.12 So far, 10, it is goaless bt South Africa has had three attempts on goal. Nigeria lags with one. 18.14 An Ahmed Musa strike is blocked by the South Africans. Nigeria gets its first corner kick. Kick taken by Mikel Obi, but it was too strong and over- sped the goal area. 18.18 In the sixth minute, there was a great attempt by Mikel Obi blocked by the South African defence. The Akwa Ibom International stadium is about 70% full, an improvement in attendance in match attendance in Nigerian football 18.19 Ahmed Musa, playing from central forward just missed a second and third close chance. He has been tormenting the South African in the past 10 minutes. But he still needs a classical touch to his finishing. Nigeria likely to score soon as the pressure on South Africa mounts. 18.21 The South African goalkeeper is down. Medics are rushing his way. 18.27 Ike Uche, with Ahmed Musa free on his left near the goal area, shot directly to the arms of the South African goalkeeper. 18.28 Ahmed Musa has been fantastic so far. He appears high in spirit and speed. 18.29 The fans are now demanding one goal. They are chanting the familiar all we are saying... give us one goal... 18.30 Bafana Bafanas former captain and number one goalkeeper, Senzo Muyiwa, was murdered last month in South Africa. The team adorned a black wrist band in his honour during their match against Sudan last Saturday. Darren Keet has taken his place with his third cap today, against Nigeria. 18.35 33 minutes played so far. The Nigerians now lead in attempts and possession. But goal line is still 0-0. 18.36 Ike Uche had two instances where he refused to pass the ball, perhaps he didnt look the other way, and had full concentration on the post. He missed it! 31 18.41 South Africa appears to be getting ready for a defensive. A striker in Jersey 13, removed for a defender, in jersey 6. 38 18.43 GOAL! South Africa draws the first blood. South Africa came from the defensive to take the lead. NIgeria 0-1 South Africa 18.46 Nigeria will have to come from behind to beat South Africa, win the match and contest for a ticket to Equatorial Guinea. 18.50 End of first half. Nigeria down by one goal. South Africa came from behind in possession and attempts to stun the Eagles with a fantastic strike.Nigeria would have to equalize and win this match to be eligible for a chance to contest for the AFCON 2015 ticket. 19.07 GOAL! It appears Nigerias fate is sealed. South Africa scores again. This time, early in second half. Nigeria 0-2 South Africa. 19.08 A nice goal from the scorer of the first. The goal came off a defensive error by Omeruo, our number 4 man. 19.17 Nice header from Emenike But straight into the arms of the South African goalkeeper. 19.18 Raheem Lawal pulled out for Sone Aluko. Will the Hull City man make and difference for Nigeria? 19.20 Events turning worse for Eagles as crowd begin to turn against them inside the Uyo stadium. More support is actually required now 19.24 25 minutes left to play. Nigeria still down by 2 goals to nil. Meanwhile, in the other match, Congo is leading Sudan by 1 nil. 19.26 Nigeria has barely 24 minutes to salvage this unpalatable situation... Meanwhile its still Sudan 0-2 Congo, Nigeria are condemned to win this game or else.. 19.27 GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!! Nigeria scrambles one into the South African net. The Sub Sone Aluko shoots in a rebound from an Ike Uche strike. Nigeria 1-2 South Africa 19.28 Nigeria needs two more goals to enlist. 19.30 South African player, on jersey 12, gets a red. A second yellow card on the 71st minute. A chance for Nigeria to pour in more goals. 19.31 Will Nigeria make the most of the one-man advantage.. clock tickling down down 73 minutes gone. 19.32 Nigeria pressing hard this time. Omeruo out for Aaron Samuel. Nigeria hopes to score at least two more. 19.35 Azubieke gets first booking for Nigeria -77mins. 19.40 8 minutes left to play. South African strike on the floor and receiving medical attention. 19.43 Nigeria still pressing hard to score but the South Africans are defending effectively, playing only two men up. This strategy appears to be working considering they are playing 10 against 11. 19.45 Ike Uche manages to sneak a shot through the many legs defending the South African goal, but the keeper was in hand to parry the low shot. 19.47 Two minutes left to play and the desperation in the Nigerian side is at its peak. Coordination is low and chances are hard to convert. 19.50 Five minutes added time. Enough time for the Eagles to score the needed goals. But it might work against them as the 10-men South Africans may snatch a break and add salt to the injury. 19.52 GOOOOOOOOOOAL!!! Aluko equalizes for Nigeria. An extra time strike from about 30 yards. 19.53 Enyeama saves Nigeria from a third goal. 19.55 FULL TIME Despite its late equalizer, Nigeria is out of the tournament. Good Night and thanks for following. 20.00 The Congo vs Sudan match ended 1 nil in favour of Congo. So Congo and South Africa qualifies for the finals.
Posted on: Thu, 20 Nov 2014 14:47:07 +0000
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