A last-gasp penalty by captain Daniel Bamayi secured Nigeria’s Flying Eagles a dramatic 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia in their second Group F match at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
The crucial win, sealed in the early hours of Friday, keeps the Flying Eagles’ hopes of progressing alive after they lost their opening fixture to Norway.
The Flying Eagles started brightly and took the lead in the 10th minute when Nasiru Salihu headed home a cross from Sani Suleiman. Saudi Arabia almost equalised minutes later, but Awad Aman missed a set piece opportunity.
Saudi eventually drew level in the 21st minute through Amar Al Yuhaybi, who beat the Nigerian defence to slot past goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.
Nigeria regained the advantage in the 38th minute when Amos Ochoche converted a clever free-kick with a powerful strike.
In the second half, Saudi Arabia equalised again in the 50th minute through substitute Talal Haji, whose header sailed over Harcourt into the net.
Both sides continued to press for a winner, with Haji almost bagging a brace after his low drive struck the post in the 57th minute.
Just when it looked like the points would be shared, Nigeria were awarded a stoppage-time penalty after a Saudi defender handled the ball inside the box. Bamayi stepped up confidently, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to secure all three points in the 94th minute.
Group F standings
After the second round of matches, Colombia top the group with four points following their 0-0 draw with Norway, who also have four points. The Flying Eagles sit third with three points, while Saudi Arabia are bottom without a point.
The 9am News report confirms that Nigeria will next face Colombia on Monday, October 6, in what will be a decisive clash to determine qualification for the knockout stage.
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