Late error costs Nigeria dearly as defending champions Senegal begin CHAN 2024 with win

A miscommunication in the Nigerian defense cost the Super Eagles B side on Tuesday evening as defending champions Senegal pounced for a late winner in a 1-0 victory from their opening game at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Both teams seemed content for a scoreless draw in Zanzibar but the Local Lions were gifted an opportunity that ended with Christian Gomis’ 75th minute finish past two Nigerian defenders.

Senegal #10 Moctar Koïta ran onto a speculative pass from the midfield by Libasse Guèye after Nigeria defender Leonard Ngenge left the ball for goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal. Lawal was too far away and left exposed beyond the edge of his penalty area after Koïta collected the ball and played a clever pass to Gomis who only had to beat two desperately retreating Super Eagles B defender with his finish.

The match was mostly a physical clash with few opportunities, the majority of which fell to defending champions Senegal. The best chance from the first half fell to Senegal defender Baye Ciss who had an open header from a free kick service but the ball went off his shoulder and harmlessly wide.

After a promising start to the second half, both teams slipped back into caution with Nigeria only managing one shot on goal for the entire match while Senegal produced two on target. With both teams playing not to lose, Nigeria handed the Local Lions three points with the late defensive error.

Senegal will now look to take a step closer to the knockout stages when they face Congo next Tuesday. Nigeria have a difficult clash ahead against Sudan later on the same day.