Thursday 13 June 2013

Brave Warriors hold Eagles in Windhoek

True to their pre-match boasting, the Brave Warriors of Namibia fought gallantly to hold the African Champions, Nigeria to a 1  - 1 draw last night in a group F African World Cup qualifier played at the capacity Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek.
First half had ended barren after both sides squandered gilt-edge chances and the second half was equally heading the same way when a blunder by Super Eagles’ Godfrey Oboabona gifted Warrior’s Deon Hotto Kavendji the ball.  The player made no mistake in shooting the home side ahead in the 76th minute.
A report said the goal galvanized the Warriors into more ferocious attack forays forcing the Nigerian backline to make more mistakes.  But the African champions braved the Warriors and countered the attack.
In one such counter, Mikel Obi was fouled at the edge of the Namibian vital area.  Oboabona stepped out from the pack to release a thunderous free kick that beat the Namibian goalkeeper for the equaliser.
As both teams searched for winner, Ogenyi Onazi was injured and was promptly replaced by John Ogu while the midfield Trojan, Sunday Mbah was also pulled out for Fegor Ogude as the AFCON hero fatigued.
Ogu who had a terrific game against Kenya last week, had the opportunity to win the tie for Nigeria in the 88th minute after a Nigerian player was, for the umpteenth time, fouled by more physical Namibians, but the Eagles debutant threw away the resultant free kick.
As the game wore on, it became a ding-dong affair with both sides cautious conceding the winner.  It was a huge relief to the two teams when the referee signaled the end of hostilities leaving Nigeria still ahead of the pack with nine points.
Malawi who ended their game against Kenya 2 – 2 earlier on are second with seven points, while Namibia trail third on five points.  Kenya bring up the rear with three points.
The next game in the series comes up in September when Nigeria will host Malawi while Namibia will travel to Kenya for the last lap.  A winner of the group qualifies for the play-off.

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