Nigeria in bright AYC start *pips Zambia 4-2
Nigeria began the defence of their African Youth Championship (AYC) title in bright fashion after beating Zambia 4-2 in Congo yesterday.
The Flying Eagles took early control of the game and were leading 3-1 by the interval of the Group B game in Pointe Noire.
Striker Zenke Terwade put the West Africans ahead after just two minutes with Echieyile Uwa doubling the lead two minutes later.
A Terwande strike in the 25th minute seemed to confirm Nigeria's superiority.
But the southern Africans gained their composure and could have pulled a goal back through Sebastian Mwansa, who missed a penalty after defender Tijani Akanbi handled the ball in the box.
Yet the Zambians did not relent and were rewarded for their efforts when Simon Lupiya put them back in contention with a strike two minutes before the break.
Tembo Swayo kept Zambian hopes alive after converting another penalty kick in the 66th minute.
The goal goaded the Flying Eagles back into action and Emmanuel Sarki sealed the win with four minutes remaining.
A win for Nigeria on Wednesday when they take on Egypt will send them through to the semi-final of the tournament.
They will also earn one place of the four places allocated to Africa at the Fifa World Youth Championship to be held in Canada in June.
The competition continues on Tuesday when Ivory Coast take on Burkina Faso in Group A while Gambia face hosts Congo in Brazzaville.