Nigeria's Golden Eaglets and host Tanzania's Serengeti Boys played a most thrilling game that kept the whole fans on the edge of their seats for over 90 minutes in the Under - seventeen African cup of nations (U-17 AFCON) openning game at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam on Sunday.
The Nigerian cadets finally out scored their host in a 5-4 rampaging that left everyone grasping for breathe. Olatomi Olaniyan gave Nigeria the lead in the 20th minute, firing the ball past Tanzania goalkeeper Abdallah Yahya.
The hosts however responded immediately grabbing the equaliser through John Edmund.
The Golden Eaglets took the lead for the second time in the game in the 30th minute courtesy of a fine effort by Wisdom Ubani. He controlled the ball expertly, beat his Opponent and squeezed the ball beyond the goalkeeper.
Akinkunmi Amoo made it three for Nigeria eight minutes before the break. Amoo dribbled the on rushing Yahya before slotting the ball into the net.
The hosts came alive after the break and halved the deficit in the 51st minute through Kelvin John.
The Serengeti Boys equalised two minutes before the hour mark with Suleman Shaibu putting the ball into his own net. Oscar Milambo’s lads took the lead for the first time in the game when Edmund tucked home a penalty on the hour mark.
The Golden Eaglets looked jolted by the Tanzanians’ fast start to the second half but found their way back to win the contest.
Ubani equalised for Nigeria from a well struck free-kick in the 72th minute.,Substitute Ibraheem Jabaar scored the winning goal for Nigeria 11 minutes from full time.
The Eaglets will tackle Angola in their next game on Wednesday at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam.
