AFCON: Lookman strike gives Nigeria winning start against Tanzania

Ademola Lookman scored a superb second-half winner as Nigeria earned a 2-1 Africa Cup of Nations Group C victory over Tanzania in the pouring rain in Fes on Tuesday, a positive start for the silver medallists from two years ago, but one that was not without moments of alarm.

Nigeria were more dominant than the scoreline suggested in terms of possession and chances, but they failed to finish off the contest and were almost made to pay for their wastefulness in front of goal by their East African opponents.

Semi Ajayi headed Nigeria in front in the first half before Charles M’Mombwa equalised five minutes after half-time. Tanzania’s joy lasted only two minutes, however, as Lookman fired in what proved to be the winner from outside the box.

Tunisia and Uganda play their opening Group C match later on Tuesday in Rabat.

Tanzania are now winless in 10 Cup of Nations fixtures, with three draws and seven defeats in that time. While they never quite looked as though they would end that run in this match, they will feel they should have earned a draw after creating several late chances.

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Nigeria set up camp in the Tanzania half early on and had several opportunities, including Victor Osimhen rounding goalkeeper Zuberi Foba only to see his effort cleared off the line.

The West African side did not have to wait long for the opener after that. Alex Iwobi sent in a cross on 36 minutes that was met by Ajayi on the edge of the six-yard box, and he guided his header home with precision.

Tanzania then enjoyed a rare spell of possession that led to an equaliser when M’Mombwa beat the offside trap from Novatus Miroshi’s high, hanging cross and finished on the volley five minutes into the second half. Their joy was short-lived, though, as Nigeria soon went back in front when Lookman twisted his marker before unleashing a shot from 25 yards that arrowed into the far corner of the net.

Tanzania rallied late in search of an equaliser and a stretching Kelvin John went inches away from a touch that would have sent the ball into an empty net, before Ibrahim Hamad fired wildly over the bar from close range.

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)