Nigeria 0-2 Mali: Super Eagles slip to woeful defeat – LIVE! – Evening Standard
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Nigeria vs Mali LIVE!
Nigeria slipped to a dreadful defeat against Mali in Tuesday night’s friendly match in Marrakesh. The Super Eagles were looking to build some more momentum in Morocco after bouncing back from last month’s agonising Africa Cup of Nations final defeat by hosts Ivory Coast with a morale-boosting victory over fierce rivals Ghana in the so-called ‘Jollof Derby’ on Friday.
However, they flattered to deceive massively on Tuesday, with a dreadful defensive blunder from Chidozie Awaziem allowing Atalanta’s El Bilal Toure to put Mali ahead early on from close range. Moses Simon was then stretchered off after spurning a glorious chance to equalise during a collision with goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa, while replacement Cyriel Dessers of Rangers also wasted a golden opportunity to level the game at 1-1 in the second half.
The well below-par Super Eagles just could not find that elusive equaliser and paid the price late on when Kamory Doumbia blasted past Stanley Nwabali to seal a second straight friendly win for Mali and leave Nigeria interim boss Finidi George concerned about his chances of earning the job on a full-time basis. Follow Nigeria vs Mali reaction live below!
Nigeria vs Mali highlights
Live updates
A real night to forget for Nigeria, who seriously flattered to deceive and surprisingly had no momentum whatsoever despite their victory over rivals Ghana on Friday.
That feels like a real blow to interim boss and Super Eagles legend Finidi George’s chances of landing the manager’s job on a permanent basis ahead of summer World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.
But what a great win for Mali to back up Friday’s identical result against Mauritania.
A real boost for Eric Chelle after that agonising Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final exit in Ivory Coast.
They will take a lot of confidence into their own June qualifiers against Ghana and Madagascar.
Full-time
90 mins: Four minutes of stoppage time signalled.
Nigeria could have another 90 minutes and look like they still wouldn’t score.
A real off-night for the Super Eagles.
89 mins: The few Mali fans inside the Le Grand Stade de Marrakesh are really enjoying themselves now.
A poor foul on Kamory Doumbia that brings a yellow card sums up Nigeria’s frustration.
87 mins: And that will surely seal it!
Mamady Diambou plays in Kamory Doumbia, who needs no second invitation to thump a powerful effort beyond the helpless Stanley Nwabali from inside the box.
Nigeria have just has no answers tonight.
84 mins: Mali have offered next to nothing in attack in this second half but suddenly spark into life.
A poor squared pass from Kamory Doumbia ruins one attack before one shot from inside the box is blocked and another sails hopelessly over the crossbar.
82 mins: Amadou Haidara is among the players to make way now as Mali take more precious seconds off the clock.
Kelechi Iheanacho delivers a free-kick from the left that is easily gathered by Mamadou Samassa.
80 mins: Both Mamadou Samassa and Kiki Kouyate are now back on their feet.
They both seem fine to continue.
Nigeria have 10 minutes plus stoppage time remaining to rescue this.
78 mins: Mali goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa and defender Kiki Kouyate are both down inside the box after a painful collision.
The physios are immediately summoned.
74 mins: Nice feet from substitute Ademola Lookman inside the Mali box, but he’s dispossessed and Jamilu Collins can’t earn a corner near the byline.
After a brighter spell, Nigeria have regressed again and time is slipping away.
Lassana Coulibaly has been a threat for Mali on the break down the right-hand side.
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