Nigeria and Algeria reach U23 Nations Cup semi-finals

Nigeria and Algeria drew 0-0 in their final Group B match of the Under 23 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal to make it through to the semi-finals and keep their Olympic hopes alive.

The result in Dakar was enough for both teams to qualify with Algeria finishing top of the group and Nigeria ending as runners-up.

Egypt’s faint hopes of progressing were dashed after they lost 1-0 to Mali in the other Group B match in M’Bour after Ragab Abdelnabi scored an own-goal in the 18th minute.

Final Group B standings after 3 matches:

Algeria 5 pts Q

Nigeria 5 pts Q

Mali 3 pts

Egypt 2 pts

Saturday’s results mean the semi-final line-up is complete.

Nigeria will play the Group A winners Senegal, whilst Algeria will take on the Group A runners-up South Africa.

Both semi-finals will be played on Wednesday 9 December.

The tournament also serves as a qualifying competition for next year’s Olympic Games with the top three finishers booking a place in Rio.

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