Nigeria will face Republic of Benin in a repeat of their 2018 CHAN Qualifiers in Thursday’s second semi-final clash at the ongoing WAFU Cup of Nations in Ghana.
Benin emerged group B winners courtesy of a last gasp 2-1 victory over hitherto table toppers Niger in a dramatic encounter on Tuesday night.
Niger raced to early lead when Nigeria born Victorien Adebayo scored with a well struck free kick on four minutes but the Nigeriens were made to pay for an abject lack of discipline as two of their players were sent off in the opening 35 minutes.
Substitute goalkeeper Mainassara Yahaya received a straight red card for a professional foul outside the penalty box just five minutes (20′) after replacing the injured first choice, Daouda Kassaly.
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With ten minutes to the break, Niger were further reduced to nine men when Souley Salamoun received his second booking of the game.
The Beninoise took full advantage by drawing level two minutes later through Rodrigue Fassinou but were held by the resolute Nigeriens until Jules Elegbede’s winner three minutes from time.
Nigeria’s game with Benin will be preceded by hosts Ghana’s duel with Senegal who drew goalless with Coted’voire in the group’s other game.
