Stephen Keshi’s work-in-progress stood firmly against the fast runs and enthusiasm of the home team, who created plenty of chances in the opening period. But even at that, the Eagles would blame themselves for conceding in a match that many thought had been won and lost.
The Flames' goalkeeper Simplex Nthara was a hero as he stood between striker Ikechukwu Uche and goal on at least two occasions in the first half, just as the Eagles also survived dangerous.
Midfielder Gabriel Reuben, who had a great game despite being badly hacked seconds into the game, rose above the defence to powerfully nod Nigeria in front in the 89th minute, off a corner kick by equally hard-working Ejike Uzoenyi.
Enyeama had a simple job to do to push away a floated ball in the area, after hollering at his defenders to leave the ball for him. But he went for the ball with only one hand and fumbled, leaving the Malawians with a heaven-sent opportunity to earn a point on the day.
It was heartbreaking, as Mauritian referee Rajindraparsad Seechurn blew off the game immediately after the restart.
The match itself was fast-paced with the Malawians asking most of the questions in the first 15 minutes. Joseph Kamwendo, Chimango Kayira and Robin Ngalande were particularly dangerous. But they either wasted the chances that came their way as the central pair of Godfrey Oboabona and
Azubuike Egwueke thwarted them.
Enyeama’s day began on an anxious note, as a mistake by him led to Malawi earning a free-kick at the edge of the box with only five minutes played. Three minutes later, Enyeama had to be at his best to punch over a vicious shot by Kayira, and at the other end, Nigerians were on their feet to celebrate a goal when Ikechukwu Uche freed himself to a one-on-one with Nthara. Nthara saved.
Another shot by Uche, who scored Nigeria’s goal in the 1-0 win over Namibia in Calabar on Sunday, was saved before Efe Ambrose thwarted a dangerous-looking pull-out by the lively Atusaye Nyondo. A minute later, Ngalande rocked Enyeama’s upright.
In the 20th minute, Ejike Uzoenyi should have released the ball earlier after great work from the right. In the 26th minute, James Kamwendo came pretty close, while Ngalande and Malawi could have been celebrating three minutes later but the ball missed target.
A mis-timed kick by left back Juwon Oshaniwa with six minutes left in the half freed the Flames again but Enyeama was alert. However, it should have been Nigeria ahead on the clock when Ikechukwu Uche got behind the defence in 41st minute, only for Nthara to read him well once more.
On the hour mark, Uche’s header was again saved. But at the other end, Malawi also came close.
The exit of Obiora Nwankwo, who had a miserable game, for recuperating Raheem Lawal with 15 minutes to go changed the complexion of the game, as Nigeria asserted themselves in the middle and played with greater confidence, looking menacing. Three minutes to the end, Nthara again foiled
Ikechukwu Uche, but the Malawian shot-stopper had no answer to Gabriel Reuben’s powerful header from Ejike Uzoenyi’s corner kick in the 89th minute.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everydayAdvertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
na una sabi,if na like make una no qualify for d world cup.na pesin way una go dey put tension for body na dey find.i no go fit calculate statistics for na again.anyway i which una success oo
ReplyDeleteThe only way to have peace with oneself is not to watch Chicken Eagles play the game that is well loved all over the world. I almost had stroke in the past for watching them play competitive games. May be the new package will make a difference but Malawian coach said that they look like pregnant women!!! Is it not true? Our coach, Keshi, is 8 months pregnant!!!! I dey laugh o.
ReplyDelete