Nigeria’s Flying Eagles soared into the semi-finals of the ongoing CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt after a 3-1 penalty shootout victory over defending champions Senegal on Monday — a win that also secured their spot at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
In a tight and nervy quarter-final clash, goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt emerged as the hero of the night, saving two penalties and keeping the dream alive for Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s young squad.
Harcourt the Hero: A Wall Between the Sticks
The Sporting Lagos shot-stopper stood tall under pressure, pulling off two stunning saves during the shootout and cementing his place as Nigeria’s latest teenage goalkeeping sensation.
While Precious Benjamin, Israel Ayuma, and Emmanuel Chukwu all calmly slotted home their penalties for Nigeria, Harcourt denied Pierre Dorival and Mame Mor Faye from the spot, while Ousmane Konate rattled the crossbar in what proved to be a disastrous shootout for the Senegalese.
Senegal’s only successful penalty came via Seydi Diouck, a consolation in a shootout that ended 3-1 in Nigeria’s favour after a goalless 120 minutes.
A Tense Quarter-Final Battle
Senegal nearly took the lead in the 42nd minute when Cheikh Thiam’s powerful header beat Harcourt but crashed off the upright.
Harcourt came to Nigeria’s rescue again in the 53rd minute, diving low to deny a close-range effort that could have tilted the game in Senegal’s favour.
Nigeria created their own chances through Kparobo Arierhi and Divine Oliseh, but Senegal goalkeeper Mouhamed Sissokho proved equal to the task, making multiple crucial saves to keep his side in the contest.
With no breakthrough in 90 minutes and extra time, the lottery of penalties decided the fate of the teams — and Nigeria held their nerve.
Ticket to Chile Secured
Monday’s victory not only ended Senegal’s hopes of retaining their title but also secured Nigeria a spot at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which takes place from September 27 to October 19 in Chile.
This will be Nigeria’s 13th appearance at the global youth tournament, where they have twice finished as runners-up (1989 and 2005).
Flying High and Unbeaten
The Flying Eagles remain unbeaten at the ongoing tournament and are eyeing a record-extending eighth U-20 AFCON title. Nigeria qualified for the knockout stage after finishing second in Group B, behind Morocco.
Senegal, on the other hand, suffered their first knockout defeat at U-20 AFCON since 2017 — a blow to a side that had won all group-stage matches and were widely tipped to defend their title.
Next Stop: South Africa vs Nigeria
Nigeria will now face South Africa in the semi-finals on Thursday, as they aim to take one step closer to continental glory. The South Africans defeated Congo in their own quarter-final to set up the clash.
Did You Know?
-
Nigeria holds the record for most U-20 AFCON titles (7).
-
Senegal had won 10 consecutive U-20 AFCON games before losing to Nigeria.
The post Flying Eagles Shoot Down Senegal to Book World Cup Ticket and AFCON Semi-Final Spot appeared first on PlayPLAY.ng.