Dream Team VI keep Olympic hopes alive, squeeze into U-23 AFCON semis News

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Dream Team VI keep Olympic hopes alive, squeeze into U-23 AFCON semis

By Adeyinka Akintunde, Lagos on December 6, 2015

Nigeria’s Dream Team VI last night kept alive their hopes of picking one of the African tickets to the football event of the 2016 Olympic Games after drawing 0-0 with Algeria in their final group match in Dakar to qualify for the semi-finals of the CAF Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Senegal.

The game began very slowly, as both teams knew that the encounter was very crucial. Nigeria, however, had most of the ball possessions in the first half, with forward Oghenecaro Etebo having a fine free kick saved in the 32nd minute by the Algerian goalkeeper, AbdelKadir Salhi.

On 39 minutes, the young Desert Foxes cleared an attacking move from a combination of Godspower Tower, Junior Ajayi and Etebo.

The second half began with Algeria threatening, Ferhat causing troubles on the right side, but his cross was overhit for anyone in the box.

Nigeria’s efforts to grab a winner failed after Etebo had a left-footed shot saved on 81 minutes.

Also last night, Mali edged past Egypt 1-0 in the other Group B match in Mbour to finish third with three points, leaving the Young Pharaohs bottom on two points. Both teams crashed out of the competition, with Nigeria and Algeria progressing after finishing on five points apiece.

Nigeria will face hosts Senegal in the semi-finals of the competition on Wednesday, Nov. 9, while Algeria, who topped Group B, will face South Africa.

The top three teams will qualify automatically for the 2016 Rio Olympics with the fourth-placed team vying for a place in a playoff.

•Photo shows Dream Team VI players in a celebration mood.

Source Daily Sports

Posted December 6, 2015