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Super
eagles celebrating 30th minute goal by Moses Simon
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After Nigeria moved to
the brink of qualification for the World Cup with that draw against
Cameroon last night, several more teams will be hoping to take a giant
stride towards the finals today.
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The
five group winners from the final round of African qualifying will progress to
the World Cup in Russia Getty Images
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BBC
Africa Sports report continues:
No
African side can confirm a place at Russia 2018 tonight, but if Tunisia beat
Democratic Republic of Congo in Kinshasa later in Group A then they would have
a six point lead with only two games remaining. A DR Congo victory, however,
would bring them level with their rivals in the standings.
Uganda's
achievement in qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year - the
first time they had done that in 39 years - would be eclipsed ten-fold if they
were to make it to Russia. There is a long way to go, but if they were to take
even a point from their match against Egypt tonight, they would be clear at the
top of Group E. That will be a huge challenge, not least because the Egyptian
authorities have lifted the restriction on fans attending the match - meaning
more than 60,000 home fans can be expected in Alexandria.
Realistically,
Ghana need to win in Congo in the same group to retain any chance of making it.
Burkina
Faso have a lead of a point in Group D at the moment and are hosting Senegal,
who are in second place, so a win would take the Stallions further clear. But
they will be keeping an eye on South Africa's match with Cape Verde, because
Bafana Bafana are also only a point behind the leaders, so they are right in
contention.
In
Group C, Mali seem out of it - and Morocco will be determined to get a good
result against them in Bamako, because they will expect group leaders Ivory
Coast to beat Gabon at home and thus go to 10 points from four games.
With only two rounds of matches remaining in African qualifying after today's action, the picture will be a lot clearer by the time the last match of the day - Algeria against Zambia in Group A - comes to a close.
Russia 2018:
Nigeria Play Draw With Cameroon, Move Closer To World Cup Qualification (PLUS
MATCH REPORT)
PREMIUM
TIMES reports that the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon forced a 1-1 draw against
the Super Eagles in Monday’s second leg World Cup qualifying match played at
the Stade Omnisports Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé.
Having
been beaten 4-0 in the reverse fixture last Friday in Uyo, it was expected that
the Lions will come out roaring against the Eagles.
Though
that was the case, it was still the Eagles that drew the first blood through
Moses Simon who was on target in the 30th minute.
The
Nigeria team had a handful of other chances to extend their lead but were
unable to do so.
With
Cameroon continually pressing for an equalizer, their persistence paid off in
the 75th minute when they were awarded what looked like a soft penalty.
Vincent
Aboubakar who came off the bench held his nerve to convert the spot kick to
make the score 1-1.
Though
both sides attempted to get a late winner, with Cameroon coming the closest, it
was not to be as the game ended in stalemate.
Despite
the draw, the Super Eagles are still top of their qualifying group with 10
points from four matches, while Cameroon remain third with three points.
Zambia,
who are second with four points, face bottom team Algeria in Constantine on
Tuesday night in the other match of Group B.
Cameroon
Vs. Nigeria MATCH REPORT: Super Eagles, Lions Fight In Yaoundé
The
Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and the Super Eagles of Nigeria are back for a
testy clash in the 2018 World Cup qualifying series.
The
Super Eagles were the better team when both sides clashed last Friday in Uyo,
winning 4-0 at the Nest of Champions.
While
World Cup qualification is seemingly out of reach for Cameroon, it is expected
that the wounded Lions will battle for pride in Monday’s tie fixed for 6.pm at
the Stade Omnisports Ahmadou Ahidjo in the heart of Yaoundé.
The
Super Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr, has said he would largely keep his winning
team and only make few changes for the injured players.
One of
those injured and a major doubt for Monday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier
against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon is Odion Ighalo.
Rohr
has hinted that either Kelechi Iheanacho or newbie, Anthony Nwakaeme will step
in as a direct replacement for the injured former Watford star.
While
the Lions have been largely invincible at their home ground in recent times, it
is not impossible for the Eagles to shock the reigning African champions one
more time, especially when the Eagles know that Nigeria could become the first
African team to earn a slot in Russia as early as Tuesday.
If
Nigeria defeat the Cameroonians on Monday in Yaounde and Zambia fail to beat
Algeria at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida on Tuesday, the Super Eagles
will seal their World Cup ticket with two games to spare.
4:23
PM: The Super Eagles coach Genort Rohr has reeled out his
starting XI for the game against Cameroon and he has opted to stick with his
winning team.
The 11
players that started in Uyo are also starting in Yaounde as the Eagles will
again play the 4-2-3-1 formation with skipper Mikel Obi handed a free role.
Kick-off
is 6pm.
Eagles
starting XI: Ezenwa – Elderson, Shehu, Ekong, Balogun – Ndidi, Onazi – Mikel,
Victor Moses, Simon – Ighalo
5:54
PM: The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and the Super Eagles of
Nigeria are back for a tasty clash in the 2018 World Cup qualifying series.
The
Super Eagles were the better team when both sides clashed last Friday in Uyo;
winning 4-0 at the Nest of Champions.
While
World Cup qualification is seemingly out of reach for Cameroon, it is expected
that the wounded Lions will battle for pride in Monday’s tie fixed for 6.pm at
the Stade Omnisports Ahmadou Ahidjo in the heart of Yaoundé.
As
already stated by the Super Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr, he would largely keep
his winning team and only make few changes for the injured players.
One of
those injured and a major doubt for Monday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier
against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon is Odion Ighalo.
Rohr
has hinted that either Kelechi Iheanacho or newbie, Anthony Nwakaeme will step
in as a direct replacement for the injured former Watford star.
While
the Lions have been largely invincible at their home ground in recent times, it
is not impossible for the Eagles to shock the reigning African champions one
more time; especially when the Eagles know that Nigeria could become the first
African team to earn a slot in Russia as early as Tuesday.
If
Nigeria defeat the Cameroonians on Monday in Yaounde and Zambia fail to beat
Algeria at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida on Tuesday, the Super Eagles
will seal their World Cup ticket with two games to spare.
6:01
PM:Cameroon with the Kick off.
6:01
PM:First free kick won by Cameroon.
6:03
PM: First chance also goes To the Lions but Ezenwa makes an
easy catch for the Super Eagles.
6:12
PM: A right wing cross by Andre-Frank Zambo was well taken by
the confident Ezenwa who has been kept busy in the opening 10 minutes. Cameroon
0-0 Nigeria.
6:07
PM: Nigeria wins first free kick through Wilfred Ndidi, Victor
Moses lobs the ball and it is headed away for a corner kick.
6:17
PM: Victor Moses makes a dazzling run past two players before
his intended cross was blocked by Collins Fai. Corner kick to the Eagles. 15
mins Cameroon 0-0 Nigeria.
6:18
PM: Onazi with a rash challenge commits a foul in a dangerous
area but the Cameroon fails to make the most of the opportunity.
6:21
PM: The last time Nigeria played against Cameroon in
Yaounde was on 27 Aug 1989 and it ended Cameroon 1 Nigeria 0 – Yaounde
(World Cup Qualifier)
7:27
PM: Cameroon have more of the ball possession at the moment at
57 % while the Super Eagles have 43%..
6:30
PM: Goal!!! Simon Moses.
6:34
PM: Moses Simon with a brilliant shot to the back of the net
as the Lions failed to clear their lines. Ighalo almost doubled the
lead but it is still Cameroon 0-1 Nigeria.
6:42
PM: 22-year old Moses Simon plays his club football in Belgium
with KAA Gent.
6:44
PM: Another Save! Ezenwa easily takes a cross from
Nsame Jean Pierre. The FC Ifeanyi Ubah shot stopper is growing in
confidence with every passing minute. Cameroon 0-1 Nigeria.
6:49
PM: Half Time: Cameroon 0-1 Nigeria… Moses Simon’s only goal
puts Nigeria closer to qualifying for Russia 2018
6:51
PM: Nigeria could become the first African team to earn a slot
in Russia as early as Tuesday (next 24 hours) if they defeat the Cameroonians
on Monday in Yaounde and Zambia fail to beat Algeria at the Stade Mustapha
Tchaker in Blida on Tuesday.
7:09
PM: Second already started and No changes from either manager
at the break, which is not too much of a surprise.
7:13
PM: Yellow card for Leon Balogun for a very rare late
challenge.
7:21
PM: Desperate times for Cameroon Coach Hugo Broos
.. Double substitution for Cameroon. Aboubakar and Bassogog in while
the duo of Nsame, Moukandjo out.
7:25
PM: Captain Mikel Obi also out for Mikel Agu.
7:27
PM: CHANCE: Victor Moses wriggles at the edge of the
Cameroon box before releasing a lob that hit the upright. Almost !!! Still CAM
0-1 NIG.
7:32
PM: PENALTY FOR CAMEROON and it is a goal.
7:37
PM: 75′ Goal! Vincent Aboubacar …
7:38
PM: Odion ighalo has been pulled out for
kelechi iheanacho.
7:43
PM: Ezenwa produces a brilliant save from Aboubacar’s low
shot, he recovers to deny Naoumi. The keeper is injured. Cameroon 1-1 Nigeria.
7:44
PM: Onazi is been pulled out for Etebo.
7:47
PM: Five minutes added time.
7:51
PM: Ezenwa on the turf again to receive treatment.
7:54 PM: another yellow card for Cameroon’s Collins Faï after a tackle on Victor Moses.
7:55
PM: Free kick was taken by Moses himself but over
the bar.
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