Nigeria’s Flying Eagles fell 0‑1 to their Gambian counterparts in the semi‑finals of the Under‑20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt on Monday. The match, held at Cairo International Stadium, saw Nigeria dominate possession with 62 % compared to Gambia’s 38 %, yet they failed to convert their control into goals and missed the chance to contest a record eighth title.
The Eagles were careless in the opening minutes and paid the price after seven minutes when Adama Bojang seized a loose ball from a misdirected header in the Nigerian defence and scored. Although Nigeria improved after going behind—maintaining possession, creating dangerous chances and putting the Young Scorpions on the back foot—their wingers and strikers struggled to link up, preventing an equaliser even when Gambia played with ten men for a few minutes toward the end.
In the other semi‑final at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, Senegal thrashed Tunisia 3‑0 to reach the final. The Teranga Cubs secured their place with two goals from new FC Metz recruit Lamine Camara and a superb strike by Pape Diop. The three‑time runners‑up will now face Gambia in the final on Saturday, which is scheduled to take place at Cairo International Stadium. NAN.
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