Algeria & Nigeria set for Africa U23 final showdown in Dakar

Nigeria face Algeria in the final of the 2015 Africa U23 Championship in Senegal billed for the Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor, Dakar the Dream Team piped hosts Senegal 1-0 in the first semi-final with Etebo Oghenekaro converting from the penalty spot. Les Fennecs on their own part brushed aside South Africa 2-0 in the second semis to reach their first Olympics for the first time in 35 years. Oussama Darfalou and Mohammed Benkhemassa scored in either half to book a place at next year’s multisport event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil alongside Nigeria. It was a well deserving win for the north Africans who made the best of their positive start with an early goal after eight minutes. A long ball from Riyad Keniche, found Darfalou, who beat an offside trap before lobbying over South African goalie Jody February for the opener.

Five minutes into the second half, Benkhemassa doubled the lead with a power-laden shot following a clearance from a corner, leaving February with no option.  It was a well deserving win for the north Africans who made the best of their positive start with an early goal after eight minutes. A long ball from Riyad Keniche, found Darfalou, who beat an offside trap before lobbying over South African goalie Jody February for the opener Algeria will face Nigeria in Saturday’s final in a repeat of their earlier meeting at the group phase which ended in a 0-0 draw.