Africa Cup of Nations reigning champions the Chipolopolo of
Zambia became the first defending champions to be bundled out at the group
stages since Tunisia in 1992.
Herve Renard’s side bowed out of the competition after
mustering a disappointing 0-0 draw against lowly Burkina Faso who surprisingly
topped the Group C ahead of Nigeria.
The Chipolopolo needed a win to guarantee their progress to
the quarterfinals but were restricted by a stubborn Stallions defence as they drew their third game in a row.
Nigeria
grabbed the runners up spot in the group thanks a 2-0 win over Ethiopia. The Super
Eagles secured the vital win courtesy of two penalties in the last ten minutes
of the game from Victor Moses.
With time ticking, Stephen Keshi’s side looked on course of
crashing out before Moses was brought down in the penalty box by Walyas
Antelopes’ defender Alula Girma. The Chelsea winger stepped forward and
converted the spot kick to the relief of the increasingly frustrated Nigerian
fans. The West Africans had conceded two late goals in their draws against
Burkina Faso and Zambia and it could have been a case of déjà vu hadn’t Vincent
Enyeama pulled a stunning save barely three minutes later from a Said Saladin
effort.
A quick counter-attack by the 1994 champions resulted in
Moses being fouled in the box again this time by Ethiopia custodian Sasay
Bancha who got sent off after picking his second yellow card. With all
substitutions made, the East Africans fielded an outfield player in goal and
Moses made no mistake from 12 yards converting low and into the net to make it
2-0 and kill the game.
It was surprising to see Nigerian players not pressing for
more goals which could have secured them top spot on goal difference and thus seen
them avoid Didier Drogba-led Cote d’Ivoire in the quarters. Burkina Faso will
face Togo or Tunisia in their quarterfinal match. The last matches in the group
stages will see Algeria tackle Ivory Coast who have already qualified while
Togo and Tunisia clash in a winner-takes-all showdown.
And That's thesteifmastertake!!
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