It's down to the last group matches at the
Orange CAF U-20 Championship currently underway in Algeria with Saturday
the deciding day. In Oran the holders, Flying Eagles of Nigeria play DR
Congo while in Ain Temouchent , Mali entertains Gabon. So far in this
Group B only Mali with two wins from two games has secured a semi-final
place. Nigeria has three points while DR Congo and Gabon are on a point
each, so depending on how the results go in Saturday's games all three
could still reach the semis.
The Flying Eagles know pretty well that a win will guarantee them a place in the last four and automatic qualification to U-20 World Cup finals to be played in June and July in Turkey. They will have to confront DR Congo without striker, Olarenwaju Kayode who will be suspended after picking up a second caution in the last match with Gabon. The striker's pace has been a worry to defenders although his conversion of chances has not be so good, Congolese defense will be relived at his absence. Edafe Egbedi, Alhaji Gero and Umar Aminu will now shoulder the responsibilities of getting the goals for Nigeria. As in the past two matches team captain Abduljeleel Ajagun will be expected to supply the forwards from midfield, as he has done with distinction so far.
DR Congo stood toe to toe with Mali for a good part of the game and even restored parity after the latter took the lead, so they will feel there have nothing to lose in taking the game to Nigeria. The Congolese have a mobile and strong midfield with some physical presence. Emomo Ngoy,Bamato Boyayi and Ekiri Litekia will anchor the Congolese midfield and hope to link up with forwards Budje Manzia and Mukendi Mukenga.
The Nigeria need only a draw against DR Congo on Saturday in Oran to reach the semifinals of the tournament and qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup but DR Congo need an outright win and hope that Gabon does not beat Mali by a score better than theirs .
Nigeria coach, John Obuh said he is hopeful that this time round his side will be able to put away the chances they have created in abundance but have only one goal to show for it. "We respect all teams and are aware that DR Congo needs a win just as much as we need one, so we will play our normal game and go for the result we need to reach the semi-final" said Obuh.
Obuh's opposite number, French man Sebastien Migne said he would be pleased with another good performance from his side when they face Nigeria." I thought we fought hard and played well against Mali and it could have gone either way, so we will pick up from there and hopefully come out with a positive result on Saturday "said Migne.
Nigeria vs DR Congo kicks off 17h30 local time at Ahmed Zabana Stadium in Oran
The Flying Eagles know pretty well that a win will guarantee them a place in the last four and automatic qualification to U-20 World Cup finals to be played in June and July in Turkey. They will have to confront DR Congo without striker, Olarenwaju Kayode who will be suspended after picking up a second caution in the last match with Gabon. The striker's pace has been a worry to defenders although his conversion of chances has not be so good, Congolese defense will be relived at his absence. Edafe Egbedi, Alhaji Gero and Umar Aminu will now shoulder the responsibilities of getting the goals for Nigeria. As in the past two matches team captain Abduljeleel Ajagun will be expected to supply the forwards from midfield, as he has done with distinction so far.
DR Congo stood toe to toe with Mali for a good part of the game and even restored parity after the latter took the lead, so they will feel there have nothing to lose in taking the game to Nigeria. The Congolese have a mobile and strong midfield with some physical presence. Emomo Ngoy,Bamato Boyayi and Ekiri Litekia will anchor the Congolese midfield and hope to link up with forwards Budje Manzia and Mukendi Mukenga.
The Nigeria need only a draw against DR Congo on Saturday in Oran to reach the semifinals of the tournament and qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup but DR Congo need an outright win and hope that Gabon does not beat Mali by a score better than theirs .
Nigeria coach, John Obuh said he is hopeful that this time round his side will be able to put away the chances they have created in abundance but have only one goal to show for it. "We respect all teams and are aware that DR Congo needs a win just as much as we need one, so we will play our normal game and go for the result we need to reach the semi-final" said Obuh.
Obuh's opposite number, French man Sebastien Migne said he would be pleased with another good performance from his side when they face Nigeria." I thought we fought hard and played well against Mali and it could have gone either way, so we will pick up from there and hopefully come out with a positive result on Saturday "said Migne.
Nigeria vs DR Congo kicks off 17h30 local time at Ahmed Zabana Stadium in Oran
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