Head coach of the South African men’s under-23 national team, Owen da Gama has announced his starting XI for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations opening clash against hosts Senegal.
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Nigeria will play Egypt on Wednesday December 2.
Also, Coach Samson Siasia, whose mother has been released from her abductors, willnow have his sights on the project at hand, as he has promised that, despite the absence of his foreign-based legion, a winning start against the resolute Maliens is all on his mind now.
A very confident Nigerian side in the first half with a 3-0 advantage looked lost in the second half as the Malians ran rings around the Dream Team goal area which resulted in Mali scoring two goals in the second half and threatened severally up till the stoppage time.
Mahlamabi won an early free-kick that Keagan Dolly hit into the wall, he beat defenders for pace and set up the first chance for Siphelele Ntshangase whose shot was deflected, then almost stole the ball off the Senegal goalkeeper.
Usman Mohammed turned in a loose ball from inside the box after a great cut-back by Sincere Seth in the 34th minute to double Nigeria’s advantage against the Malians.
Adama Niane scored from the penalty spot after 55 minutes after he was fouled inside the box by Oghenekaro Etebo.
In the 65th minute, Souleymane Sissoko scored Mali’s second goal after a mix-up in the Eagles defence.
Mali got a second as the Dream Team allowed them all the play.
With 15 minutes to go, Mali came so close, but Daniel saved from Adama Traore before the rebound narrowly missed target. A rasping shot from a free -kick in added time sailed over, and handed the Dream Team the three points. Algeria will take on Mali in the other game.
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The tournament will be held in Senegal between 28 November and 12 December 2015 with a total of eight teams namely; Senegal, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Mali, Zambia, South Africa and Tunisia participating.
