Both African teams competing in Monday's FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, South Africa and Nigeria, faced defeats in their opening matches against France and Norway, respectively, in Groups E and F.
France secured full points in their match against South Africa with a late goal. The competition in Group F was tightly contested, with Norway narrowly defeating Nigeria in a challenging match.
In Group E, A late goal from Lucas Michal secured a 2-1 victory for France over South Africa in Rancagua. France started strong, with Tadjidine Mmadi missing a shot wide and Mayssam Benama hitting the post, before Anthony Bermont scored the winning goal 25 minutes in.
However, their lead did not last long, as Kutlwano Letlhaku skillfully manoeuvred into the French penalty area and was fouled by Elyaz Zidane, the youngest son of legendary French player Zinedine Zidane. Jody Ahshene confidently converted the penalty kick into the net.
The decisive goal came in the 80th minute, when Michal turned at the edge of the box, drove inward, and fired a powerful shot into the bottom right corner.
In the match between Nigeria and Norway, an early penalty was sufficient for Norway to secure a 1-0 win against Nigeria in their first match in Talca.
Nigeria quickly grabbed Norway’s attention when Kparobo Arierhi hit the crossbar within three minutes. Nevertheless, it was Norway that struck first after a video review confirmed a handball offence in the Nigerian area, allowing Rasmus Holten to score from the penalty spot.
A dazzling run from Luca Hoyland set Norway up for a second goal, but Gustav Nyheim failed to convert the cross right in front of the net.
Nigeria applied pressure in their quest for an equaliser, and Tahir Maigana felt frustrated when his shot hit the post shortly after the hour mark. Ultimately, Norway managed to withstand Nigeria’s late surge to claim the valuable points.
