Eagles blow lead again
by Iwedi Ojinmah 25 January 2013, 18:59
For the second time in a week Nigeria gave up the lead late into the game. This time it was against Zambia in the do or die battle in Nelspruit.
For the Zambians this clash on the threadbare Mbombela Stadium pitch represented the chance to avenge defeats to Nigeria in Angola in 2010 and in the 1994 final, the last of Nigeria's two titles.
On 25 minutes, Zambia had a lucky escape when defender Davies Nkausu felled Ahmed Musa in the box, with Egyptian referee Grisha Ghead pointing to the spot.
Mikel stepped up, but a sputtering low effort went to the wrong side of Mweene's right post.
He made up for it though with a quality pass to Emmanuel Emenike's who promptly converted and saw the Eagles go ahead in the 57th minute.
Nigeria asserted herself more in the 2nd half but then it fell apart within minutes of the final whistle when she gave up a penalty herself.
It was GK Mweene's who played hero again for his team when he converted the PK and threw the African champion a much needed life line.
Both teams now sit on top of their group and have to now watch the Burkina Faso Ethiopia game with keen interest.
