Nigeria defeats Tanzania 2-1 in Fes thanks to Lookman
Nigeria defeated Tanzania 2-1 in the rainy Africa Cup of Nations Group C on Tuesday, thanks to a fantastic second-half goal from Ademola Lookman. It was a good start for the silver medallists from two years ago, but there were some worrying moments.
Nigeria had more possession and opportunities than the score indicates, but they were unable to complete the game and were nearly punished by their East African opponents for their wastefulness in front of goal.
Five minutes after halftime, Charles M’Mombwa tied the score after Semi Ajayi led Nigeria in the first half. But the Tanzanians’ happiness was short-lived, as Lookman scored the game-winning goal from outside the box in just two minutes.
Later on Tuesday, the first Group C match between Tunisia and Uganda will take place in Rabat.
Tanzania has lost seven of its last ten Cup of Nations games, drawn three of them, and is currently winless. Although they never seemed likely to end that record in this match, they will feel they should have gained a point with several late opportunities.
Victor Osimhen had multiple chances as Nigeria set up camp in the Tanzanian half, but his attempt was blocked off the line after he rounded goalkeeper Zuberi Foba.
However, the West African team did not have to wait long for the first goal. On minute thirty-six, Ajayi met a cross from Alex Iwobi on the edge of the six-yard box and expertly guided his header home.
Five minutes into the second half, M’Mombwa finished on the volley after beating the offside trap from Novatus Miroshi’s long and looping cross, capping off the east African team’s infrequent period of possession and equalizing the score.
The Tanzanians were only happy for two minutes, though, as Nigeria quickly took the lead again after Lookman turned his marker and sent a shot from 25 yards out that flew into the far corner of the net.
Late in the game, Tanzania rallied in an attempt to tie the score, and Ibrahim Hamad blasted wildly over the bar from close range after stretched Kelvin John came within inches of a touch that would have sent the ball into an empty net.
