Super Eagles in final

Soccer. Mali showed that they are wily and strong but the Nigerians were in a class of their own as they breezed to a 3-0 lead at the interval.

Nigeria scored three goals in a blistering 20-minute first-half spell as they routed Mali 4-1 in Durban to reach the final of the African Nations Cup for the first time since 2000 yesterday.

After Mali settled first and threatened to take an early lead, Nigeria clicked into gear with goals from Elderson Echiejile after 25 minutes, Brown Ideye in the 30th minute and an own goal from Mali defender Momo Sissoko just before halftime.

Substitute Ahmed Musa, who replaced the outstanding Victor Moses after 53 minutes added the fourth three minutes later when he beat the offside trap and scored by slipping the ball through goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa’s legs.
Mali, who famously came back from 4-0 down to draw 4-4 with Angola in the opening game of the 2010 finals, never looked like repeating that feat but did score a consolation goal when Cheick Diarra fired home in the 75th minute. Nigeria will meet the winners of the second semi-final between Ghana and Burkina Faso that was due last night in Nelspruit.

Soon after the game, Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan praised his team and saluted the ‘big boss’ Stephen Keshi.

“Again, coach Keshi and our skillful and patriotic players have shown the world the indomitable Nigerian spirit. It is this spirit that Nigeria’s leading lights came together to celebrate on Monday the 4th of February 2013 as we began our centenary celebrations. The Super Eagles have done us proud, the Cup is within reach,” he said.