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Raphael Onyedika scored twice and Paul Onuachu netted his first international goal in four years as Nigeria beat 10-man Uganda 3-1 in Fes on Tuesday to record a third win in Group C at the Africa Cup of Nations and send the east African side home.
Nigeria finished top of the group with nine points followed by Tunisia and then Tanzania, who drew 1-1, with the latter reaching the last 16 as one of the four best third-placed sides.
It was a dominant performance from Nigeria despite resting several regulars having already been assured of top spot in the group. Uganda netted a consolation through Rogers Mato and used three goalkeepers in the game following an injury to Denis Onyango and a red card for Salim Magoola, who was replaced by Nafian Alionzi – another mishap in a chaotic tournament for Paul Put’s side.
Nigeria have impressed in the group stage having been losing finalists two years ago, and following the shock of missing out on 2026 World Cup qualification. After Onuachu had missed a simple chance midway through the first half, he found the back of the net after 28 minutes. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru showed quick feet on the left and his pass into Onuachu was perfect for the big forward to finish.
Nigeria scored their second goal in the 62nd minute when Onyedika took Samuel Chukwueze’s pass and drilled his shot low through the legs of Alionzi. Onyedika netted his second five minutes later with a side-footed finish, Chukwueze again the provider with a pass from the right. Uganda got a consolation goal with 15 minutes left as the Nigerian defence momentarily went to sleep and Mato lifted the ball over the keeper and into the net.
Tanzania grabbed a second-half equaliser to hold Tunisia to a 1-1 draw and book a place in the last 16.
Tanzania’s second point of the tournament proved enough for them to advance as one of the four best third-placed finishers. Feisal Salum’s powerful shot three minutes into the second half secured the draw after Tunisia had gone ahead through a 43rd-minute penalty converted by Ismaël Gharbi.
Tunisia will meet Mali in Casablanca on Saturday in the last 16 while Tanzania will face the hosts, Morocco, in the first knockout round in Rabat on Sunday.
Later on Tuesday, Benin take on Senegal and Botswana play the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the conclusion to Group D. Senegal kick off top of the group, level on four points with DRC but ahead on goal difference. Those two sides and Benin, who have three points, are all guaranteed places in the last 16, at worst as one of the four best third-placed teams. Botswana, who have lost both their matches, must win in order to progress.
This story will be updated.
