WAFU B Tourney: Flying Eagles book semifinal spot despite a draw against Etalons
Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles have booked their spot in the semifinals of the 2022 WAFU B Tourney after playing a 2-2 draw against the Junior Etalons of Burkina Faso on Wednesday.
In their first game, the Flying Eagles who were 2-0 winners against the defending champions Ghana knew they must avoid a defeat to secure a place in the semis and did just enough against Burkina Faso.
Ibrahim Muhammad who scored Nigeria’s first goal against Ghana in the first game was also the goal scorer as Flying Eagles took the lead at GSK Stadium against Burkina Faso.
The Maikunkele FC striker in the 24th minutes of the game through a lovely chipped ball.
Burkina Faso pulled back from a spot kick 15 minutes after the restart of the second half through Abdel Rachid Zagré.
Ibrahim Yahaya restored Nigeria’s lead in the 70th minute of the game through a penalty, the penalty was awarded after Burkina Faso goalkeeper punched Ahmed Abdullahi who was rushed to the hospital after the incident.
Burkina Faso were sure of getting a point after their 83rd-minute equaliser, Kalou Cyriaque Irie scored the goal for the Junior Etalons as both teams settled for a 2-2 draw.
The result put the Flying Eagles through with 4 points while the game between Ghana and Burkina Faso on the 14th will determine who joins Nigeria from the group.
As it stands, Nigeria has 4 points from two games, Burkina Faso 1 from 1 game, and Ghana 0 from 1 game.
- A win for Ghana means Nigeria tops the group with 4 points as both teams make the semis while Burkina Faso crash out.
- A win for Burkina Faso means both Nigeria and Burkina Faso go through and Ghana crash out.
- A draw means Nigeria and Burkina Faso go through with Flying Eagles while Ghana crashes out.
Only the two finalists at the WAFU B Championship in Niamey will be eligible for next year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations, already scheduled in Egypt for February/March.
