Ndiaye again denied South Africa after parrying away Kwanda Mngonyama’s penalty, however it was February’s day; he swept away SidySarr’s penalty, leaving Mahlambi to coolly slot home the winning spot-kick and send South Africa to Rio 2016, after sealing third place in the tournament.
Advertisement
Nigeria will feature at the Rio 2016 Olympics as African champions after defeating Algeria 2-1 in the final of the African U23 championship played at the Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor on Saturday night.
Senegal managed to convert their third kick through Ismaila Sarr, before South Africa captain Keagan Dolly missed his penalty.
Nigeria defender Segun Oduduwa handed Algeria the equalizer on the half hour after heading into his own net but Oghenekaro netted what proved to be the victor five minutes before the break.
Etebo converted a 14th-minute penalty after being fouled and scored the match-winner five minutes before half-time with a low shot into the corner after a solo run from the centre circle.
Nigeria boast a proud Olympics record.
Victor Osimhen, who got his only start of the championship at the final of the tournament had fired a shot at the Algerian goalkeeper in the 18 yard box, but his shot went a little wide outside of goal. They made Olympic football history in 1996 by becoming the first African and non-European and South American team to win the gold medal.
Advertisement
Gov. Ahmed in a statement commended the perseverance and unsuccumbing spirit of the Dream Team VI players and the technical crew led by Samson Siasia in overcoming all oppositions enroute their emergence as African Champions despite financial challenges they allegedly had to contend with before and during the championship.
