How Africa
Call it the final before the final and you won’t be far from right. The third-place fixture at the ongoing African Cup of Nations, AFCON, will be played today between the two eagles – the Super and the Carthage.
Losing semi-finalists, Nigeria Super Eagles and Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles will battle for the third and fourth spots in African football.
Both losers from their last games will be hoping to end their campaign on a high. More so because only the winners on the day get medals for their victory.
Third place playoff: Nigeria beats Tunisia
In the end, it turned out to be an early strike by striker Odion Ighalo that settled the third-place fixture at the AFCON in Cairo.
The Super Eagles flew highest above the Carthage Eagles to win the bronze spot of Africa’s biggest soccer showpiece.
Ighalo is also in line to be the top scorer of the AFCON after scoring his fifth goal of the tournament. He was, however, subbed in injury time of first half after a suspected strain.
FULL TIME: Nigeria wins bronze at AFCON 2019
90’ – We are doing 5 minutes of added. Tunisia running out it time to get the equalizer. Still 1-0
80’ – Into the final 10 mins. Nigeria are holding on to their slim lead, while Tunisia try to salvage an equalizer. Still 1-0
70’ – Tunisia beginning to up the tempo. Khazri has been at the heart of every move but they’ve just lacked that final pass to hurt the Nigerian defence.
60’ – Tunisia started the 2nd half as the better side but Nigeria has regained control of the game. Still no real chances in this half, though.
53’ – Tunisia win a free-kick right outside the Nigeria box. Khazri shoots but the ball goes straight into the wall.
47’ – Miss! Chaouat is through one-on-one with Uzoho but he shoots straight into the side net.
46’ – Second half underway, Ighalo’s 2nd minute goal remains the only difference.
- Big news from Super Eagles is tournament topscorer Odion Ighalo won’t be part of the action after he was subbed after reportedly pulling a strain. His goal tonight gives him five in this AFCON.
45’ Half time means Nigeria are 45-minutes from being the victorious Eagles on the night.
31’ – 45’ – Open exchanges as both sides move forward looking to score, chances have been far and in between usually squandered.
30’ – Quarter of an hour to end the first half….
29’ – Haddadi looks to draw parity for the north Africans but shot is collected by goalie Uzoho.
26’ – Nigeria launch counterattack but nothing comes out of Ndidi’s poor finish
15’ – Tunisians gradually warming themselves into the fixture with a series of bright inroads. Sassi chance but couldn’t direct his shot towards goal.
10’ – Nigeria have been more dominant in the opening 10 minutes. The early goal seems to have settled their nerves and they’re enjoying the larger share of possession.
2’ – Goalll! Nigeria have the first goal inside 2 minutes. And it’s Ighalo
1’ – The game is underway at the Al-Salaam Stadium located in the capital Cairo.
