The Super Sand Eagles of Nigeria demonstrated poise and good deportment in defeating Cote d’ Ivoire 7 – 4, to retain their title as Africa’s Champions at the final of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2009 Qualifier, Durban in June 2009.
Just as soon as the game began both teams fought hard to usurp control and dictate the pace of the final. However, Ivory Coast got the better luck through Didier Kabletchi’s opener, seconds after Sand Eagle’s Isiaki Olawale, shot an open chance wide into the air.
Right from this moment the Nigerian team rejiggered themselves and began dominating the game.
In the first period, super duo of Olawale and Baba Yahaya, teamed up to bring the scoreline to 3-1 in favor of Nigeria. Olawale bagged the first and third goals assisted by Yahaya. While the latter scored Nigeria’s second goal.
In the second period Victor Tale joined the duo as they kept up throbbing Cote d’ Ivoire’s already weak defense. All three Nigerians got on the score board in the second period, bringing Nigeria’s total goals to six. However, with just 40 seconds left on the clock the opposition got another goal via Thomas Ehounou.
Into the final 12 minutes of the thrilling encounter, Ivory Coast tried to pull a comeback with just five minutes left via Salomon Ouraga’s goal. One minute later, Olawale score his fourth goal of the encounter, extending Nigeria’s lead to 4 goals.
The Ivorians tried yet again at another comeback via Ouraga, however, his effort only reduced the goal difference as the Super Sand Eagles brought home the well deserved trophy.
Source: Vanguard
Featured image source: The Eagles Online
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