Morocco and Nigeria progress to the knockout stage

Morocco and Nigeria secured their spots in the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinals on Wednesday following the conclusion of group B play.

Nigeria advanced after a 2-2 draw with Kenya at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium, while Morocco won 3-1 against Tunisia in the Suez Canal Stadium to take first place in group B.

In their three group-stage matches, Tunisia managed one win and two losses, while Kenya lost two games and drew one, failing to record a victory in this year’s tournament.

Captain Kévin Wangaya Injehu gave Kenya the lead early on at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium when he scored from the penalty spot in the sixth minute.

Though their lead lasted barely seven minutes, Nigeria tied the game in the thirteenth minute when Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi deftly chipped the ball over the goalie and into the net from a close angle.

Kenya seized the lead again in the 68th minute thanks to William Gitamu, but Nigeria quickly equalized in the 73rd minute thanks to a penalty kick from Daniel Bayemi.

Morocco took the lead in the match at the Suez Canal Stadium shortly before halftime when Ayman Arguigue headed a close-range shot into the goal.

In the 53rd minute, Anis Doubal equalized as his shot deflected on its way through, demonstrating that Tunisia would not be defeated easily.

With goals from Ismail Bakhty in the 86th minute and Jones El-Abdellaoui in stoppage time to guarantee Morocco’s top spot in the group rankings, Morocco responded late in the match and ended the match.

Nigeria and Morocco, whose opponents have not yet been announced, will play their quarterfinal matches on Monday at 2 p.m. CAT and 5 p.m. CAT, respectively.