The Central African Republic claimed their first three points in the second round of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Qualifiers with a lone goal victory over the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.
After an uninspiring goalless first half the Super Eagles came into the second half with more power, pace and passion, but they could not breakdown the stubborn Central African Republic defense.
Karl Namnganda broke the camel’s back in the last minutes of the game.
Despite the dogged fight of all the players, the Super Eagles could not create clear-cut chances. In fact the visitors created better and more dangerous chances than the Super Eagles.
The Super Eagles, who have won their first two matches, missed the defensive solidity of Wilfred Ndidi, the vision and passes of Peter Etebor and the creativity of Alex Iwobi.
Gernot Rohr and his wards will have to fashion out how to pay the CAR back in their own coin when they play the return leg in Duala, Cameroon.
In other results across the continent, Sudan and Guinea played out a 1-1 draw as Morocco white-washed Guinea Bissau 4-0.
Liberia lost 1-2 to Cape Verde as DR Congo were two goals better than Madagascar. Tanzania lost to Benin Republic 0-1 while Equatorial Guinea defeated Zambia 2-0.
Rwanda lost at home to Uganda by a lone goal. More matches will hold throughout the weekend.