Rabiu Ali double revives Nigeria hopes at African Nations Championship

The midfielder's pair of goals, along with strikes from Ifeanyi Ede and Barnabas Imenger, lifted the Super Eagles over Mozambique 4-2 on Wednesday after they drew Mali 1-1 in their opener.

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A double from midfielder Rabiu Ali helped Nigeria to a 4-2 win against Mozambique in Cape Town on Wednesday that revived their hopes in Group A at the African Nations Championship.

Mozambique had opened the scoring thanks to a spectacular Dario Khan free-kick which sailed into the net from the edge of the centre circle, but Nigeria were level within a minute thanks to Ifeanyi Ede.

Mozambique’s defence had already conceded three in losing their opening game to the hosts South Africa and they were breached again soon after when Ali scored his first of the day.

Diogo equalised, but Ali’s second from the penalty spot – after a dubious handball decision – made it 3-2.

There was a slice of luck for Mozambique when Miro cleared a Fuad Salami effort off the line, but Nigeria put the result beyond doubt two minutes from time when substitute Barnabas Imenger latched on to a perfectly weighted pass that split the defence and chipped the ‘keeper with some style.

Nigeria’s win puts pressure on the hosts, who could only manage a 1-1 draw against Mali despite Bernard Parker getting on the scoresheet again with his third of the tournament.

His penalty in the 25th minute broke the deadlock, but Mali’s Ibourahima Sidibe equalised in the 54th minute.

South Africa remain on top of the group with four points, edging out Mali on goal difference.

Nigeria now have three points, but with Mali favourites to beat Mozambique, the Super Eagles will likely need to beat South Africa in their final group game on Sunday to stand any chance of progressing.