Algeria 2-1 Nigeria: Super Eagles beaten in Oran in friendly match
The Desert Foxes of Algeria beat the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1 on Tuesday at the Olympic Stadium in Oran.
This match was the 22nd episode of the football rivalry between the two national teams since 1973.
Two goals either side of the interval - a penalty from Riyad Mahrez and the second a striker from 40 yards out from Youcef Atal gave the Algerians victory from behind. Nigeria took the lead through Terem Moffi in the ninth minute.
The Foxes had the upper hand in possession in the first five minutes and dominated their Nigerian opponents, but the Eagles struck first through Moffi, who pounced on a ricochet in the box to score on the ninth minute. It was Nigeria's first shot on target in the game.
The Algerians attempted an immediate response, but the Eagles had settled in and easily suppressed any goal-related movement.
Coach Jose Peseiro launched Frank Onyeka in the midfield role ahead of a young defensive duo of Kevin Akpoguma and Calvin Bassey, who were playing together for the first time.
Riyad Mahrez hit the post in the 19th minute after Youcef Belaïli pounced on Zaidu Sanusi's bare back but after jumping over a hurrying Francis Uzoho the ball fell on Mahrez who couldn't hit the post only with his right foot.< /p>
In the 23rd minute, the Eagles broke on the counterattack, and with a four-to-three advantage, Sanusi made a hash of a cross pass attempt to Ademola Lookman.
Islam Slimani tried to claim a penalty after his header went out for a corner on Sanusi's header. The ref had a chat with a furious Peseiro in the 37th as the ref showed clear bias in his officiating. A minute later, he awarded a phantom penalty after the ball was long gone and booked Onyeka. Mahrez came forward and sent Uzoho the wrong way for Algeria's equalizer.
The second half was a physical affair, as both teams battled for midfield supremacy. Lookman had a good chance to cross in the first minute of the second half, but he hesitated and the Algerians brushed aside the danger.
Slimani headed wide in the 55th minute. Moffi and Iheanacho linked up well in the 60th minute, but Iheanacho's shot was saved.
A minute later, Algeria took the lead with a belt from Atal, from 35 yards. The ball moved through the air, but Uzoho should have saved it.
Coach Peseiro sent on Savior Godwin, Taiwo Awoniyi, Cyriel Dessers and debutant Raphael Onyedika, but the Eagles only created a scoring chance towards the end when Sanusi's dangerous cross was clipped in for a corner.
There were remonstrances from the Eagles towards the referee at the end of the game, although coach Peseiro was quick to intervene before one of his players received dissenting warnings.< /p> Support the integrity and credibility journalism of PREMIUM TIMES Good journalism is very expensive. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider providing modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help sustain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.
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The Desert Foxes of Algeria beat the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1 on Tuesday at the Olympic Stadium in Oran.
This match was the 22nd episode of the football rivalry between the two national teams since 1973.
Two goals either side of the interval - a penalty from Riyad Mahrez and the second a striker from 40 yards out from Youcef Atal gave the Algerians victory from behind. Nigeria took the lead through Terem Moffi in the ninth minute.
The Foxes had the upper hand in possession in the first five minutes and dominated their Nigerian opponents, but the Eagles struck first through Moffi, who pounced on a ricochet in the box to score on the ninth minute. It was Nigeria's first shot on target in the game.
The Algerians attempted an immediate response, but the Eagles had settled in and easily suppressed any goal-related movement.
Coach Jose Peseiro launched Frank Onyeka in the midfield role ahead of a young defensive duo of Kevin Akpoguma and Calvin Bassey, who were playing together for the first time.
Riyad Mahrez hit the post in the 19th minute after Youcef Belaïli pounced on Zaidu Sanusi's bare back but after jumping over a hurrying Francis Uzoho the ball fell on Mahrez who couldn't hit the post only with his right foot.< /p>
In the 23rd minute, the Eagles broke on the counterattack, and with a four-to-three advantage, Sanusi made a hash of a cross pass attempt to Ademola Lookman.
Islam Slimani tried to claim a penalty after his header went out for a corner on Sanusi's header. The ref had a chat with a furious Peseiro in the 37th as the ref showed clear bias in his officiating. A minute later, he awarded a phantom penalty after the ball was long gone and booked Onyeka. Mahrez came forward and sent Uzoho the wrong way for Algeria's equalizer.
The second half was a physical affair, as both teams battled for midfield supremacy. Lookman had a good chance to cross in the first minute of the second half, but he hesitated and the Algerians brushed aside the danger.
Slimani headed wide in the 55th minute. Moffi and Iheanacho linked up well in the 60th minute, but Iheanacho's shot was saved.
A minute later, Algeria took the lead with a belt from Atal, from 35 yards. The ball moved through the air, but Uzoho should have saved it.
Coach Peseiro sent on Savior Godwin, Taiwo Awoniyi, Cyriel Dessers and debutant Raphael Onyedika, but the Eagles only created a scoring chance towards the end when Sanusi's dangerous cross was clipped in for a corner.
There were remonstrances from the Eagles towards the referee at the end of the game, although coach Peseiro was quick to intervene before one of his players received dissenting warnings.< /p> Support the integrity and credibility journalism of PREMIUM TIMES Good journalism is very expensive. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider providing modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help sustain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.
Donate
[embedded content]TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT: Call Willie - +2348098788999
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