The 3rd day of group B of the U17 AFCON was played this Saturday, May 6. Nigeria won the clash against South Africa and qualified for the quarterfinals while Zambia created the surprise by winning against Morocco.
Nigeria's hard-fought win ensures qualification
In the match between South Africa and Nigeria, the second place, synonymous with qualification for the quarterfinals was at stake. And the clash kept all its promises. The South Africans opened the score in the 6th minute of the striker Vicky Mkhawana. But the Golden Eaglets came back in the game with the goal of Charles Agada (34th). The battle continued until the last minute of the first half with a pass from the first striker, Vicky Mkhawana for the goal of Siyabonga Mabena (45th+3). After the restart, Nigeria equalized again with a goal from Light Eke (46th). An event that will give them a lot of hope and this will be concretized on the scoreboard with the Golden Eaglets who take the advantage and definitively thanks to Abubakar Abdullahi (64th). Enough to move up to the second place with 6 points and fly to the quarterfinals. As for South Africa, this 3rd place with 3 points allows them to qualify for the quarterfinals where they will face Senegal.
Zambia for the honor
The Cherifian Kingdom did not answer present on this last day of the group phase. Zakaria Ouazane (18th) opened the score for Morocco against Zambian already eliminated but who want to leave with their heads high. They will make the Atlas Cubs concede their first goal of the competition thanks to Samson Malaya (73rd). At the 87th minute, Zambia obtains a penalty which will be transformed by Emmanuel Mwanza. Thus, Zambia finishes at the last place with 3 points but insufficient to hope to overtake South Africa. As for Morocco, the qualification was already assured as well as the place of leader. They will face Algeria in the quarterfinals.
🚨 RESULTS 🚨
And breathe 😤
What a day of #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 football! 😍 pic.twitter.com/IOGFde0rSk
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 2023 🏆 (@CAF_Online) May 6, 2023
