Nigeria’s Super Eagles had their wings clipped at the Grande Stade de Marrakech on Friday, as Mali claimed a fine 2-0 victory over Finidi George’s men, Soccernet.ng reports.
Goals from youngsters El Bilal Touré and Kamory Doumbia on either side of the interval handed Mali a memorable win over Nigeria in Morocco.
Nigeria, fresh from beating Ghana 2-1 inside the same stadium four days ago, were looking to make it six wins in their last nine games against the Malians.
To that effect, coach Finidi George made four changes to the team that secured a 2-1 win over Ghana on Friday.
Moses Simon, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins, and Raphael Onyedika replaced Cyriel Dessers, Benjamin Tanimu, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Frank Onyeka in the starting eleven.
The Super Eagles looked to build up play from the back early on, but with Mali pressing high up the pitch, Nigeria always looked an error away from conceding the opening goal.
It happened in the 17th minute when a poor Chidozie Awaziem clearance left goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali at the mercy of El Bilal Touré, who made no mistake from close range.
🚨 🇲🇱 GOAL! Huge mistake at the Nigerian defence and Mali score. 0-1. pic.twitter.com/CQfvxg8pYL
— Football View (@FootballViewYT) March 26, 2024
Mali’s defence stood firm against Nigeria’s feeble attempt in attack, but when Simon broke through for a rare sight at goal, the Nantes winger failed to find the finishing touch his stunning run deserved.
Simon got injured in the process and was stretched out of the field, with Dessers replacing him.
Nigeria’s first real chance of the second half fell to the Glasgow Rangers striker, but he struck his effort well wide after Iheanacho had done well to create the chance following a swift counterattack.
🇳🇬 HUGE MISS! 😳
Cyriel Dessers misses a great opportunity to draw level pic.twitter.com/LGLGZ6p7Ww
— Football View (@FootballViewYT) March 26, 2024
The Super Eagles enjoyed a larger share of the possession in the second half, but the team lacked penetration on the wings and precision in attack.
Mali made the three-time African champions pay for their lack of cutting-edge when 21-year-old Kamory Doumbia struck their second goal with three minutes left on the clock.
GOAL! Mali double their lead. 2-0 pic.twitter.com/uRNpjqpdVu
— Football View (@FootballViewYT) March 26, 2024
It ended two-nil in favour of Les Aigles, who claimed their first win over Nigeria since 1975, ending a 49-year wait.