History of AFCON: Senegal - Nigeria in 2000, one of the most epic quarter finals

Absent from the 1996 and 1998 editions, Senegal made its return to the AFCON during the 2000 edition in Nigeria, with the ambition to finally be registered among the teams that count on the continent. After finishing 2nd in group C (4 points) behind Egypt, after a 3-1 victory against Burkina Faso, a 2-2 draw against Zambia and a 0-1 defeat in front of the defending champions, the Lions qualify for the quarter-finals where they face Nigeria who arrives with their impressive armada composed notably of Babayaro, Okocha, Oliseh, Lawal, Finidi, Kanu, Babangida...

In a position of an underdog, Senegal is facing a real mountain, especially since Nigeria had not lost at the Surulere stadium since 1981. However, this status does not move the Senegalese who open the scoring in the 7th minute thanks to Khalilou Fadiga. The men led by Peter Schnittger are cooling the stadium in Surulere.

A hero named Aghahowa

Senegal holds there a sensational exploit, probably the greatest in its history at the AFCON, even better than the inaugural success in 1986 against Egypt, host country. The match unfolds, Nigeria pushes, and the pressure rises. The public then begins to understand one thing: a success must necessarily go through via unwavering supporters, united around the team.

Thus, in the 84th minute, Julius Aghahowa crafts the equalize and win an extension in a furious stadium.

The irreparable almost happened

The Nigerian striker, who sounded the revolt, will then give the advantage to his side from the 2nd minute of extratime. A saving goal, which will however cause real chaos. Nigerian fans  invade the pitch and cause real scenes of chaos. The police officers on horseback also enter the scene. The mess is widespread. Players, supporters, law enforcement officers, all are in the green rectangle. The Senegalese players, shocked, are evacuated outside the stadium and waiting for the situation to return to normal. This one is going to take place, but too late for Senegal, which loses on the score of 1-2. Nigeria has qualified for the semi-finals of their AFCON, and will even go to the final before losing against Cameroon. Moreover, with hindsight, the Lions accuse this interruption which undoubtedly caused their elimination.

« I think that this break-up during the match did us a disservice. We stayed out for a long time waiting for security to do its job. This breakup ruined a lot of things. Seeing the fans invade the pitch, we thought that the worst could happen at any moment. There were players and leaders who said to go into the changing rooms and not to resume the game. I think that this favored Nigeria’s return in this clash which they eventually won,"

 confided Cheikh Sidy Ba, who had played this match, to the microphone of Le Quotidien.

His teammate, Pape Niokhor Fall, concurred. “The Nigerians doubted. But these scenes changed everything. The police were not there to ensure our safety, at the limit, they intimidated us. The leaders had asked us to join the changing rooms. But we couldn’t, because Surulere’s changing rooms were in the basement. But the coach asked us to come back on the field to continue the meeting. We came back, but the springs were broken.