TotalEnergies U17 AFCON: Nigeria topple South Africa to make quarters | TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2023

Abubakar Abdullahi scored the victory Golden eagles as they twice came from behind to reach maximum points and finish second in Group B behind Group winners Morocco.

South Africa are third with three points and anxiously await Sunday’s Group C results to see if they can squeeze into the last eight as one of the two best third-placed teams.

The Amajimbos got off to a flying start and they took the lead after six minutes when Vicky Mkhawana fired low into the net after Waylon Reneckes headed Gabriel Amatos’ corner onto the post.

But Nigeria were constantly camped in South Africa’s half, forcing them to defend deep as they looked for an equaliser. Abdullahi placed the ball marginally wide in a one-on-one against the keeper while Charles Agada had a goal disallowed for offside.

The pressure finally paid off in the 33rd minute when Agada equalized with a header after a corner was brushed his way unmarked at the back post.

On the stroke of half-time, South Africa goalkeeper Gennaro Johnson made a good save with his foot on Denby Abdullah’s one-on-one volley inside the box.

In the second minute of added time, South Africa regained the lead with a brilliant individual effort from Siyabonga Mabena.

The Mamelodi Sundowns man picked up the ball from the left before taking two markers and unleashing a shot that came under the bar and behind the line.

Nevertheless, the Nigerians equalized again just seconds into the second half when Light Eke tapped home inside the box after Agada made a good run down the right, finding him for a good save.

They sealed the win in the 65th minute when Abdullahi slipped between two centre-backs to stretch out a leg and guide Emmanuel Michaels’ cross into the net.

South Africa tried to turn around somewhat to get back on level terms, but Nigeria defended well and could have even increased their lead with Abdullahi’s shot to clear the bar.

As runners-up, Nigeria will now face the second-placed team in Group C.