Nigeria’s Flying Eagles got off to a bright start in the 2015 AYC qualifiers after they beat hosts Tanzania 2-0 in Dar es Salaam in a second round, first leg clash on Sunday.
The Flying Eagles scored in the 49th minute through Musa Yahaya and killed off the contest in the 82nd minute courtesy of striker Taiwo Awoniyi.
“This win away from home is very, very good for us going into the return game in Nigeria,” Flying Eagles coach Manu Garba told reporters after the match watched by a fair crowd at the 60,000-capacity National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
“Tanzania also showed they are a very good side, but they will have to work on their finishing. Overall, it was the better team that won even though I was not completely satisfied with the final 15 minutes of the game as we sat back in our defense.”
However, Ngorongoro of Tanzania coach John Simkoko insisted they have not given up hope and said they would do real battle in Nigeria in a fortnight.
“Nigeria were the better team and deserved to win,” he admitted. “But the battle is not over yet as we will come prepared to Nigeria.”
It was a goalless first half, but Nigeria enjoyed more of the ball possession and created more chances with their biggest opening coming after 24 minutes, when Musa Yahaya blasted wide from inside the six-yard. Newly drafted striker Saad Kipanga from Mbeya City also had a glorious chance to put his team ahead after just five minutes, but his header from inside the box missed its target.
