AFCON 2013: Nigeria forced to a draw again

Category: Sports Published on Friday, 25 January 2013 21:03

Nigeria's Super Eagles have drawn their second game at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations after a late equaliser by Zambia denied them a win.

Zambian Goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene scored an 84th minute penalty and saved one at the other end to earn his side a point.

It was the duo's second draw in two games in the competition.

Analysis

Nigeria took the lead through Emmanuel Emenike in the 57th minute, but Egyptian referee Ghead Grisha awarded a questionable penalty to ensure Zambia came back into the match.

The tie started on a rather slow note with Nigeria the first to settle down in the game despite the poor state of the pitch.

Ahmed Musa was brought down inside the 18 yard box, and a penalty was awarded to Nigeria in the 25th minute but John Obi Mikel was denied by Mweene, who parried the ball away for a corner-kick.

The Zambians responded well and Godfrey Oboabona had to block a Christopher Katongo move and was shown a yellow card in the 35th minute but nothing came out of the resulting free-kick.

Zambia got another opportunity when Isaac Chansa dribbled past two defenders and located Stopila Sunzu, who's lame shot was saved by Vincent Enyeama.

In they second half, Nigeria continued with their impressive performance as they had better possession and chances and took the lead when Mikel took advantage of a Zambian error to power a through pass to Emenike, who calmly put the ball past Mweene to give Nigeria the lead in the 57th minute.

In the 71st minute, Rainford Kalaba came close for Zambia, but Vincent Enyeama stood tall between the sticks to deny him.

However, Zambia was awarded a controversial penalty on the 84th minute and Mweene scored to ensure a second draw for both sides.