By James Robert Kayindi
The defending champions of the Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria also failed to qualify for the AFOCN 2015 that is due early next year from January 17th up to 8th February in Equatorial Guinea. The 2013 champions failed to qualify following a 2-2 draw with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa who were playing for fun after they had already qualified even before playing their last game.
The Super Eagles needed a win to confirm their slot at the finals of the forthcoming Africa nations’ cup but were held to a 2-all draw. England based and Bournemouth striker Tokelo Rantie intercepted a Kenneth Omeruo back pass to Vincent Enyeama to give South Africa the lead in the 43rd minute.
Tokelo Rantie who seemed so eager to prove his worth went ahead to condemn Nigeria with his second strike of the night before Sone Aluko scored for Stephen Keshi’s men in the 68th minute to make it 2-1 on the evening.
Nigeria continued to fight for an equalizer but the Bafana Bafana couldn’t let them penetrate their solid defence not until stoppage time when Aluko scored the second to level matters but it came too late for the Super Eagles to stage another attack.
The result saw South Africa top Group A with 12points while Congo came second at 10points after beating Sudan 1-0 yesterday. The defending champions finished third of the group with 8points while Sudan remained bottom at 3points.
Email Robert: Robert.k.circles@gmail.com
