Two goals from Junior Ajayi and a third from Muhammed Usman inspired Nigeria to a 3-2 win over Mali at the 2015 Africa U23 Championship in
Senegal.
Adama Niane had his 37th second effort kiss the cross bar as the
Malians dominated the early part of the game.
Soon, Samson Siasia's lads woke up from their slumber and gradually
came alive and got rewarded in the 16th minute when Ajayi gave Nigeria
the lead.
The CS Sfaxien forward converted with a back heel after Stanley Dimgba
had laid a cross into Les Aiglons 18 yard box after his terrific run
down their defence.
All efforts from Cheick Kone's side to equalise proved futile as
Souleymane Sissoko and Adama Traore forcing goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel
to couple of saves.
Usman doubled Dream Team VI's lead in the 34th minute when he turned
in a loose ball after a great footwork from Sincere Seth.
With less than two minutes to the end of the first half, Ajayi
completed his brace from a rebound off goalkeeper Djigui Diarra's save
from captain Azubuike Okechukwu's rocket outside the penalty area.
On resumption of the second half, Mali attacked Nigeria in their
number and twice punished Siasia's team for a shaky defence.
First it was Adama Niane who scored from the penalty spot after 55
minutes after he was fouled inside by Oghenekaro Etebo with Souleyman
Sissoko netting his side second ten minutes later.
Kone's team chased for an equaliser in vein as Dream Team VI held firm
to the slim lead in the tension soaked game at the Caroline Faye
Stadium.
With this victoryNigeria top Group B with three points after foes
Egypt and Algeria had settled for a 1-1 draw in the zone opener.
A win for them against Egypt on Wednesday will see them book an early
flight to the semi -final of the competition.
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