All hopes of Nigeria making it into the semi final stage of the 2018 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco, seemed almost lost when Angola took an early lead and maintained the goal difference until the final minutes of the quarterfinal encounter.
The Home-based Eagles had tried everything they could to usurp control of the game, but the Angolans proved the stronger, more coordinated team as the game progressed.
After a series of goal-mouth squabbles between both sides, Angola had the better luck and took the lead in the 55th minute via a ricocheted shot by Timothy Danladi that hit Vladimir Va and found its way over Ikechukwu Ezenwa and into the net.
The Angolans doubled their efforts in search of another goal, and were all-but successful in the 62nd minute. However, Ezenwa made a quick block that sent the ball over the bar.
In the 72nd minute, the Angolans came within an inch of doubling the lead, and again, Ezenwa pulled a quick save to snatch the ball.
The Eagles came close in the 85th minute, but Gabriel Okechukwu blasted his effort wide.
Parity was restored into the game in the 91st minute via Anthony Okpotu, who shot the ball past the Angolan keeper off a sharp header from Ali, who converted Osas Okoro’s long ball. This shot the game into extra time.
Nigeria took control of the game in the 110th minute, thanks to Ikechukwu Gabriel’s beautiful display of skill in beating the Angolan goalie, before slotting the ball home, and giving Nigeria the much needed boost into the semifinal.
Source: Complete Sports
Featured image source: Premium Times Nigeria
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