Emmanuel Emenike made it three goals in two games, as he bagged a brace as Nigeria won 2-1 in Addis Ababa against hosts, Ethiopia in the first leg of their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off.
The Turkey-based forward equalised midway through the second half with a fierce shot and calmy converted a last-minute penalty in Addis Ababa.
Ethiopia, the surprise side among the ten qualifiers for the play-offs, took the lead 11 minutes into the second half through Behailu Assefa.
Nigeria host the return match on 16 November at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar and a draw will suffice to secure one of the five places in Brazil reserved for African sides.
Ethiopia dominated possession and opportunities during the opening half only to be let down by poor finishing at the Addis Ababa Stadium.
Girma Adane was the chief culprit while Saladin Said had appeals for a goal and a penalty rejected by the referee.
Godfrey Oboabona cleared Said's ball, but replays showed it was a good goal.
Nigeria offered little going forward and the nerves of coach and former Super Eagles skipper Stephen Okechukwu Keshi showed as he constantly checked his watch.
The home side favoured short passes during the cagey early stages while Nigeria were more direct as they sought a fifth World Cup appearance.
Adane should have done better midway through the half, hitting a cross-cum-shot tamely at goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama from a tight angle. Within a minute, the Waliya Antelopes thought they had the lead as Said pushed a long ball past the goalkeeper only for Rizespor's new signing, Godfrey Oboabona to clear.
The Egypt-based Ethiopian striker was convinced the ball had crossed the line. Ethiopia goalkeeper Jemal Tassew failed to grasp an Ahmed Musa snap shot in a rare Nigerian attack, but the ball was scrambled to safety.
Girma twice spoiled good build-ups with wild finishing, Ogenyi Onazi was too high with a free-kick and Enyeama saved acrobatically from Said in a lively end to the half.
The Ethiopians continued with their crisp passing game, early in the second half. A bizarre goal put the Antelopes ahead on 56 minutes. An Assefa cross appeared to pose no threat, but the impressive Enyeama had his feet behind the line as he caught the ball and the referee awarded a goal.
Ahmed Musa also had a volley spilled by the Ethiopian goalie, but Nigeria failed to capitalise.
Victor Moses, who was far from his usual best should have equalised soon after as he broke through, but Tassew dashed off his line to block the shot.
The ineffective Chelsea midfielder, who is on loan to Liverpool, was taken off almost immediately and replaced by Dynamo Kiev star, Brown Ideye.
Silence enveloped the stadium on 67 minutes as Emenike levelled with a drive from outside the box that went in off the left hand of Tassew. It was a sweet solo effort from the Fenerbahce man, who looked isolated before the equaliser.
CSKA Moscow forward, Musa rattled the right post from close range in the 77th minute.
Super Eagles sought a winner that arrived when former Cape Town star, Emenike sent Tassew the wrong way from the penalty spot after Aynalem Hailu brought him down in the final minute of regulation time.
No comments:
Post a Comment