Amajimbos Humbles Golden Eaglets

A first half strike from Eric Mayo ensured that the Amajimbos of South Africa edged the Golden Eaglets 1-0 in the semi finals of the 11th African U17 Championship in Niamey. 

Both sides went straight to the match with attacking intentions.

The Amajimbos of South Africa went straight away into attack and forced a save from goalkeeper Akpan Udoh in the first minute.

Nigeria launched an attack of theirs too. All action Suleiman Abdullahi hit a fierce shot in. 

It was an end to stuff from the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria.

In the 11th minute, Victor Osimhen had a glorious chance for Nigeria. He was through on goal but was too slow to bury the ball at the back of the net.

Five minutes later, Osimhen again was the man behind the sweet move of Nigeria. His shot was saved by Mondli Mpoto.

Okonkwo beat the South African defence for pace but he met a mountain in Mpoto.

South Africa then silenced the Golden Eaglets four minutes before the half hour mark.

Mayo scored a well placed shot for the  Amajimbos.

In the final five minutes of the first half, Kelechi Nwakali and Osimhen weren't able to beat Mpoto with their effort.

The first half ended 1-0 in favour of the Amajimbos.

After the break, Nigeria applied more urgency but Mpoto again denied them with his sharp reflex.

Mkatshana dribbled his way past the Nigerian defence. His weak effort couldn't beat the goalkeeper.

The confident South African side grew in confidence as the game went on. 

With the Golden Eaglets needing inspiration, head coach of the team, Emmanuel Amunike decided to introduce the silky Christian Charles to add bite to the blunt attack.

Thirteen minutes to the end of the match in Niamey, Chukwueze Samuel who was through on goal missed a sitter.

Chukwueze had another chance to equalize. He decided to hit his shot against a South African defender after beating three players.

Golden Eaglets had a final opportunity to grab the leveller.

The hardworking Osimhen's bicycle kick was saved by Mpoto.

Mali and Guinea will meet in the other semi-final on Thursday.

Here is how they line-up:

Nigeria XI: A.Udoh, A. Saddam, A.Usman, M.Paul A. Bamidele, K. Nwakali, U. Anietie, S.Abdullahi, S.Chukwuze,O.Orji, V.Osimhen

South Africa XI: Mpoto; Ngcobo; Frosler; Mohamme; Cupido; Mukumela; Dlala; Maluleke; Mbatha; Mkatshana; Mayo

ROAD TO THE FINAL:

Nigeria

Niger 0 Nigeria 2 (Osimhen, Nwakali)

Nigeria 1 Guinea 1 (Nwakali)

Zambia 1 Nigeria 3 (Osimhen x2, Nwakali)

South Africa

Ivory Coast 2 South Africa 2 (Mbatha, Mayo)

Mali 2 South Africa 2 (Mohamme, Mkatshana)

South Africa 3 (Maluleke x2, Fokem OG) Cameroon 1