Young Lions devour Flying Eagles in U20 AFCON opener

• Ten-man Flying Eagles fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Senegal in their opening match of the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations

Nigeria, seven-time winners of this tournament, were the favourites to claim the bragging rights and seal an opening day win over the less-fancied Senegalese in the West African derby.

However, Souleymane Faye's opportunistic strike following a swift counterattack five minutes before halftime handed the Young Lions of Teranga a memorable win and all three points at stake.

Nigeria searched for the equaliser after the break, but Senegal, on the balance of play, had the better chances to get a second and finish off their opponents. But the Lions could not capitalise on their opportunities. 

To make matters worse for Nigeria, substitute Ahmed Abdullahi was sent off in stoppage time for a second bookable offence leaving the Eagles to end the match with ten men.

With the win, Senegal went straight to the top of Group A with three points, followed by Egypt and Mozambique after both teams played a goalless draw earlier in the evening.
Nigeria, without a point, next trade tackles with hosts Egypt.