By Arinze Ude
MALI 1-0 NIGERIA
The Flying Eagles started their Group B campaign with an unexpected loss to fellow West Africans, Mali at Ahmed Zabana stadium in Oran.
Adame Niane opened the scoring for the Malians in the 13th minute with a goal every poacher would be proud of.
Niane unleashed a left footed drive into the net after a rebound from a corner fell to him.
The Malians buckled down and decided to soak the pressure and everything thrown at them by the Flying Eagles.
Olarenwaju Kayode got the ball into the net in the 27th minute but the goal was chalked off for offside and the Malians took their lead into the break.
After the break, much of the action was in the Malian’s half as Nigeria pushed for an equaliser. The best chance fell to Edafe Egbedi who missed an open goal.
The Malians almost wrapped up the game with a counter attack but a timed tackle by Chizoba Amaefule was enough to take the ball off Adama Traore and the game ended 1-nil in favour of the Malians.
