Golden Eaglets edge closer to U-17 World Cup qualification, beat South Africa

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria have qualified for the quarter-finals of the ongoing AFCON in Morocco following a 3-2 victory over South Africa in the last Group B match.

The Nduka Ugbade-led fledglings scored twice in the second half of the five-goal thriller at Stade Mohamed-Hamlaoui in Constantine to ensure a well-deserved victory that brings them closer to qualification for the Under-17 World Cup set for later in the year.

Vicky Mkhawana gave South Africa the lead in the sixth minute, volleying in a shot as the Eaglets failed to clear a corner kick.

Charles Agada’s header following a corner kick levelled matters on 34 minutes. However, a brilliant solo goal from Siyabonga Mabela, who dribbled past three defenders before finding the top corner handed the South Africans the lead at halftime.

An undeterred Eaglets equalised immediately after the breakthrough Light Eke’s finish at the back post from Agada’s low cross, before Abubakar Abdullahi score the winner in the 64th minute, sliding in to finish off Emmanuel Dennis’ cross from a well-worked team move.

The Eaglets had chances to score more goals but settled for a victory that gave them passage into the quarter-finals.

Their six points are the same as hosts Morocco, who lost 2-1 to Zambia, but the Junior Atlas have a better head-to-head record to finish in first place ahead of Nigeria.

The Eaglets will meet either Burkina Faso or Cameroon in the last-eight stage on Thursday.