U17 AFCON: Wasteful Golden Eaglets pay price as Morocco beat Nigeria

Morocco has booked a ticket to the quarterfinal of the U-17 AFCON after a hard-earned win over Nigeria in their second match in Algeria.

A first-half own goal fromTochukwu Ogboji proved decisive as the young Atlas defeated Nigeria 1-0 on Wednesday evening.

Nigeria was wasteful and paid the ultimate price in their second game at the Afcon U17.  It was indeed a wasteful opening half from the Golden Eaglets.  

Eaglets dominated on the ball, dictated proceedings at the Mohamed Stadium, and created the best and most chances but were undone by their profligacy.  

As unfortunate as the game's opening goal was, following a positive start from the junior Atlas Lions, Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets still had the chance to turn the game around.

Nigeria recovered from the early setback to control the game, playing some quality football that led to four wonderful chances that should have seen the Nigerians score at least two goals.

But Nduka Ugbade’s boys only have themselves to blame as they failed to turn dominance into goals heading into the break. 

Morocco held on to their slender lead and surely was happier of the two sides at halftime.  

The second half started with both teams making changes, Morocco with two while Nigeria’s Ugbade made one change as he looked to fix the wastefulness.

But it was a case of more of the same from both sides, Nigeria continued from where they stopped, the most dominant on the ball and most wasteful.  

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets missed more chances while Morocco was content to sit back and soak up the pressure as they defended stoutly.  

Morocco’s goalkeeper finally had something to do six minutes from time with Nigeria asking the questions still. 

However, the youngster was up to the task as he superbly saved to stop Nigeria and keep his Atlas side ahead. 

In the end, Morocco held on for the win to make it two wins in two to take charge of Group B, with Nigeria left to rue what might have been.