Thursday, 15 August 2013

Mandela Challenge: Nigeria defeats South Africa 2-0

South Africa's Siphiwe Tsabalala is challenged by Nigeria's NNamdi Ouduamadi during a 2013 Nelson Mandela football Challenge friendly match between South Africa and Nigeria at Moses Mabhida Stadium on August 14, 2013 in Durban, South Africa. AFP PHOTO
A brace by Uche Nwofor, a second half substitute, ensured the Super Eagles romped to a comfortable 2-0 victory over the Bafana Bafana of South Africa  in an international friendly tagged The Mandela Challenge  at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

The African champions battled to a scoreless first half after  series of missed opportunities from both sides. After early raids of the South African vital area, the Eagles midfield showed signs of weariness and their hosts took over, initiating series of attacks. But the Eagles defence refused to yield. Although the hosts could not get a goal, they ended the first half on a high.

The Eagles began the second half with more purpose launching early raids in their opponents’ half. Their efforts paid off in the 49th minute when Uche Nwafor who replaced Shola Ameobi put the Eagles ahead. Nwofor received a short pass in the middle,  he scored with his back heel. It was a tremendous effort and the goal was a world class one.
The goal gave the Eagles a psychological edge over their hosts and they totally took control of proceedings and in the 68th minute, Nigeria cut open Bafana’s defence, Musa crossed to Nwofor, who taps it into an empty net for his second goal.
Undaunted the Bafana attack led by the irrepressible Tshabalala made several dangerous moves in the Nigerian vital area but poor finishing robbed them of at least a goal..

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