Eagles survive South Africa scare By John Emmanuel Nigeria’s Super Eagles, on Thursday, maintained their tradition against South Africa as the African Champions played out a goalless draw with their host to revive hopes of qualifying for Morocco 2015 Nations Cup. The Eagles now have only one point and are currently placed behind the group leaders, Congo who have gathered six points while South Africa have four points in their kitty from two games. The South Africans won the midfield battle with accurate string of passes which left the Nigeria wondering in the early minutes of the tie. Bafana Bafana went on to ask questions with a low cross into the Nigeria’s vital area, but a resultant strike failed to beat Austin Ejide. Moments later, Nigeria surged forward through Emmanuel Emenike but the Fenerbahce star’s effort could only fetch the African Champions the first corner kick. The resultant kick was however fluffed by Gbolahan Salami. The South Africans were relentless in their quest to hit the back of the net but striker Sibusiso Vilakazi miss timed kick denied them in the 15th minute of the tie. Again, the Shakes Mashaba lads failed to punish Nigeria after Ejide failed to clear his line with a punch in the 20th minute. Gradually, the three-time African Champions took control of the midfield as Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel combined brilliantly with Ogenyi Onazi and Nosa Igiebor to have a share of ball distribution. Nigeria are very patient in their build-ups while Bafana have been very quick going forward, but none of the two goalkeepers were tested as at 30th minute inside the magnificent Cape Town Stadium. Again, Mikel found Elderson Echiejie with a telegraphic pass but the move was stopped by the onrushing Senzo Meyiwa who was in goal and the skipper of the Rainbow nation. Israeli-based, Igiebor ‘s 20-yard screamer was way over the bar and no anxious moment was caused the hosts in the 36th minute. It was the South Africans that went on to threaten the Nigerian goal area but Kenneth Omeruo and Godfrey Oboabona kept them at bay for the remainder of the first half. On resumption for the second half, the South Africans appeared determined, mobile, quick on the ball and wanting to hit Nigeria on the break. But their best effort in the 61st minute was side netted. Desperate to score goal, Nigeria replaced Salami with another local based striker, Ighodaro Osaguna in the 62nd minute. Still in search of a win, Nigeria’s coach Stephen Keshi threw Sone Aluko in the party. The Hull City striker came on for Igiebor in the 71st minute to add bite to the Eagles attack. Osaguna got the best chance of the night was close to nicking the first goal for Nigeria but Thulani Hlatshwayo rescued the hosts with a clearance with ten minutes to the end of the game. Later on, the South Africans threw away begging chance that came their way as Ejide and the defenders combined to safe Nigeria the embarrassment.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 04:42:46 +0000
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