The soaring Les Aigles of Mali🇲🇱 dealt a blow to the ego of the Super Eagles of Nigeria🇳🇬 in a thrilling friendly football match played at Grande Stade de Marrakech in Morocco🇲🇦.
The scoreline of a 2-0 victory over Nigeria was a bitter pill for the Super Eagles after glowing in their triumph over the Black Stars of Ghana🇬🇭 last Friday.
Mali’s El Bilal Toure struck first in the initial half, followed by Kamory Doumbia’s decisive goal in the match’s dying moments, sealing Nigeria’s fate. The team’s performance overall left much to be desired.
The opening goal🇬⚽ came from a costly error from Eagles centre-back, Chidozie Awoziem, whose misplaced pass allowed a Malian striker to capitalize to hit the ball past Nigerian goalie, Stanley Nwabali.
Nigeria suffered another setback when Moses Simon, ten minutes to the end of the first half was pulled out of the game due to a collision injury with Mamadou Samassa as he searched for an equaliser for Nigeria. He was replaced with Cyriel Dessers, who missed a crucial opportunity to score right in front of the goal, as the first half ended.
The second half presented Nigeria with more attacking opportunities but the Eagles were still unable to find the finishing until another decisive error by Kenneth Omeruo allowed Mamady Diambou to play to Kamory Doumbia who slotted the ball for Mali’s heartbreaking second goal of the night.
Although Nigeria dominated in ball possession with 58% to Mali’s 42%, they failed to assert control and got punished for their laxity at the defence.
The win over Nigeria means the Super Eagles’ eight straight unbeaten years record against Mali has now been broken.
The result could put interim manager George Finidi’s short splint as Eagles’ Manager on the line, as calls mount for the NFF to consider a replacement following this poor outing.
With their sights set on their next game, Nigeria will hope to use their World Cup qualifier against South Africa. to redeem their battered image.
Please Like 👍, Comment, Share & Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
