Posted by BBC Sports on
Nigeria extended their lead at the top of Group A when beating Mali 3-1 in the African Youth Championship in Benin on Tuesday.
Nigeria extended their lead at the top of Group A when beating Mali 3-1 in the African Youth Championship in Benin on Tuesday.
Yet Mali can feel unlucky to have lost this West African encounter.
The Malians dominated large parts of the match, yet went a goal down just before the break when David Abwo flicked home Nigeria captain Isaac Promise's free-kick.
Ten minutes into the second half, Kalifa Dembele brought Mali level when he converted Adama Tamboura's cross from the right wing with a low finish from five yards.
Mali then played the better football but were sunk by two goals in two minutes by the Flying Eagles.
With eight minutes left, Solomon Okoronkwo, who is on the books of Germany's Hertha Berlin, scored a fine individual goal when picking up the ball in midfield, driving forward and slotting home at the second attempt after the goalkeeper had parried his first shot.
The win was sealed 60 seconds later when Malian goalkeeper Noumouke Traore was beaten again, this time by a close-range effort from Olubayo Adefemi.
The win gives Nigeria six points after two games in Group A, while Mali have no points and must beat Benin in their final game on Saturday to have any chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.