Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles put up a battling performance on Saturday, but still fell on penalties against holders, Senegal at the Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Coach Audu Adamu Ejo’s side went into the game as underdogs, having lost to the same opponent during the final of the version they hosted two years ago in Lagos, and sports247.ng reports that their worst nightmare returned to haunt them.
Such it was that two quick-fire strikes from Diassy saw Senegal take a 2-0 lead within the opening minutes, after which Nigeria could not hit target before the first whistle to end stage one of the highly pulsating and entertaining game.
Despite playing well and with full determination, the first period ended with Nigeria trailing, even as they created some dangerous attacks, including several long-range shots which had to be palmed to safety.
The second period began at full throttle, with the men in green full of zeal and, after building the pressure, Ekujumi converted a sublime free kick to half the deficit.
Nigeria were back in the tie with just few minutes remaining of the second period but, just two minutes later, the two-goal advantage was restored as Diange struck for Senegal, who went into the third and final period with a 3-1 lead.
Once more Nigeria stormed back, when a shot was laid off for Taiwo to smash past the keeper, taking the score to 3-2, and a fabulous header from Ogbonna completed the comeback for the Super Sand Eagles.
As the third period drew on, the scores remained level at 3-3 and it looked like extra time was a more and more likely outcome.
Then, with just two minutes, Taiwo converted once more, and thought he had won it for Nigeria, before the lead was cruelly snatched once again when Barry volleyed in from close range to force extra time, following which it went to penalties.
After Ndoye and Diassy converted twice, and Nigeria were unable to score, Senegal took a single, very hard-fought, point from the penalty spot.
Goals during normal play- 1-0: Diassy, min. 9 (1); 2-0: Diassy, min. 7 (1); 2-1: Ekujumi, min. 4 (2); 3-1: Diange, min. 3 (2); 3-2: Taiwo, min. 10 (3); 3-3: Ogbonna, min. 8 (3); 3-4: Taiwo, min. 2 (3); 4-4: Barry, min. 2 (3);
Efforts during penalty shootout were: 0-0: Diatta, missed; 0-0: Ohwoferia, missed; 0-1: Ndoye, scored; 1-0: Ekujumi, missed; 2-0: Diassy, scored.
Up next, Senegal will play Tanzania on Sunday to continue their title-defending campaign, while Nigeria will face Libya, with Adamu’s wards seeking a revival that would put them in good stead for a semi-final ticket, ahead of their last group match against Tanzania on Monday.
