Collapsed in second half

Nigeria’s Dream Team VI, the U-23 team  appeared to have collapsed in the second half of their first match against their Malian counterpart, as they faced a more ferocious side, eager to turn the tide.

And Mali nearly upturned Nigeria’s 3 goal advantage as they pumped a lot of pressure on Nigeria’s defence, their lads playing like wounded lions at the stadium in Mbour, Senegal’s resort town.

Nigeria had led comfortably in the first half, logging a 3 goal advantage, with a brace by Ajayi Oluwafemi Junior and a third goal by Usman Mohammed.

The first goal by Mali came in 55th minute after a Nigerian defender fouled Mali’s Adama Niane in the box

Niane himself took the resulting penalty to record Mali’s first goal.

Ten minutes after,Abdoulaye Diarra scored the second goal.

Until the last whistle, Nigeria’s attack  rarely constituted a threat to the  Malians, as they seemed to have found an answer to Nigeria’s game, that left them floundering behind in the first half.

The Malians on the  attack  became really dangerous, oftentimes catching the Nigerians napping and the Nigerian stand anxious.

Nigeria’s game with Mali was the second match of the Group B, in which Egypt and Algeria earlier played a 1-1 draw.

With the victory against Mali, Nigeria now top the group with three points.

Egypt and Algeria have a point each. Unfortunately, valiant Mali have zero.