RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Victor Osimhen set up one goal and another as Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-0 on Saturday to advance to the semifinals of the African Cup of Nations.
Super Eagles prepared far from ideal Report of unpaid bonuswill face hosts Morocco in the second semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday.
In Marrakech, they failed to convert any chances in the first half and had to be patient against one of the best defensive teams in the competition. Luca Zidane was the only Algerian goal scorer before Akol Adams fired a shot and Calvin Bassey cleared the follow-up shot on the goal line.
Osimhen finally scored just after the break when he headed the ball past Zidane from Bruno Onyemaesi’s cross.
This was Zidane’s first goal conceded in this tournament. parents were in the stands Also.
But a second soon followed.
Patient build-up play saw Alex Iwobi pass to Osimhen, who unselfishly crossed for him, past a darting Zidane and slotted the ball into the empty net.
Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic responded with three changes, including the departure of captain Riyad Mahrez and star forward Ibrahim Maza, but there was nothing the Fenech Foxes could do to get back into the game against a confident and self-assured Nigerian side.
Adams hit the post just as the third goal looked certain.
Nigeria, three-time champions Lost to Ivory Coast in the final They are aiming to win the title for the first time since 2013 at the last tournament. This will help them overcome the disappointment of not qualifying for the World Cup.
Defending champions Ivory Coast were playing seven-time champions Egypt in Agadir for a spot in the first semi-final against Senegal.
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Associated Press at the Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
