After extensive preparations towards the competition, seven times winners, Flying Eagles of Nigeria, started the 2023 U20 Africa Cup of Nations currently ongoing in Egypt on a losing note as they lost 1-0 to junior Teranga Lions of Senegal on Sunday.
Souleymane Faye grabbed the only goal of the match in the 40th minute to take his country top of the group. The slim win means that Senegal are now the Group A leaders after the host country, Egypt, were forced to a goalless draw by Mozambique.
The young Pharaohs did everything to win the match but were frustrated by the defensive sagacity of Mozambique which thwarted all efforts of the hosts.
Meanwhile, Flying Eagles put a lot of pressure on Senegal after going behind but the Junior Teranga Lions showed resilience and withstood the threats posed by their opponents, leading to the 1-0 loss.
The result might have come to Nigerians as a bit surprise after the seven times winners of the CAF U20 Cup of Nations prepared adequately with friendly games both within abs outside the country with wins in almost ninth percent of the test games played.
However, Nigeria will have the chance to make amend when they take on the host nation in a game both countries need to brighten their chances of progression.
