AYC: Flying Eagles Fall To Egypt

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria and the defending champions of the African Youth Championship, AYC last night failed to defend their title at the ongoing 2013 AYC edition in Algeria after seeing their dream cut short 2-0 by the young Pharaohs of Egypt in the semi final stage.

It was a crushing defeat that ensured that the Coach John Obuh led Eagles failed to keep their promise of ensuring back-to-back triumph at the African youth fiesta.

However, the consolation is that Nigeria and other semi finalists, Egypt, Ghana and Mali will fly the continent’s flag at the World Youth Championship, WYC, to be held in Turkey later in the year.

But the loss to the efficient Egyptians was as a result of listless performance by Coach Obuh and his wards.

Indeed, the Flying Eagles had been living dangerously in the tournament after the opening day 0-1 loss to Mali in a match they ought to have won convincingly.

Subsequent 1-0 and 3-1 victories over Gabon and Congo DR respectively, momentarily masked the shortcoming of the team.

However, against Egypt last night, it was glaring that the Flying Eagles lacked tact and technique of getting behind opponents and scoring goals.

Despite dominating the Egyptians, especially in the first half, selfishness, poor coordination and marksmanship saw them throw away scoring chances and the half ended goalless.

Barely a minute into the second half, lack of organisation at the back led to Egypt’s first goal.

With the whole of the second half ahead of them, the Flying Eagles huffed and puffed in search of the equalizer to no avail until the Egyptians sealed victory with the second goal, off another dead ball situation to eliminate Nigeria and march into Saturday’s final.

Isaac Nwankwo