In preparation for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers starting in September, African powerhouses Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa all drew on Friday.
In the second half, Tolu Arokodare scored his first goal for Nigeria, who lost to Russia in Moscow.
Senegal drew 1-1 with the Republic of Ireland in Dublin after winning the FA Cup with Crystal Palace last month.
In northern Polokwane, South Africa had to settle for a 0-0 draw in order to maximize their home advantage over Tanzania.
In a crucial World Cup qualifier in September, South Africa and Nigeria finished second and third overall in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, while Senegal won the previous year’s edition.
Russia opened the scoring in the 27th minute with an own-goal from Semi Ajayi, who deflected a low cross past goalkeeper Maduka Okoye in Moscow.
Before a mistake by goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, who studied Gianluigi Donnarumma at Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germanin, gave Nigeria an equalizer, there were no more goals.
Safonov’s short pass to his teammate was intercepted by Belgium-based Arokodare, who scored the final goal after 71 minutes.
The Super Eagles won the Unity Cup in London last week by defeating Ghana 2-1 and Jamaica on penalties after drawing 2-2. This was their final warm-up game.
FIFA and UEFA have since 2022 forbid Russia from international competitions, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
After thrashing Zambia 5-0 in Moscow three months ago, this was their second friendly game against African opposition.
Senegal, however, lost the game in the Irish capital midway through the first half thanks to Kasey McAteer’s rebound into the net after his header struck the woodwork.
Sarr scored the winning goal in the 82nd minute after Caoimhin Kelleher’s weak clearance caused the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations to level.
In September, Senegal will visit the Democratic Republic of Congo to decide which nation will automatically qualify for the United States, Canada, and Mexico’s World Cup.
South Africa had the largest piece of the army in Polokwane, but they were unable to dismantle a well-organized Tanzanian defense.
When Relebohile Mofokeng’s audacious lob landed on top of the net in added time, South Africa was on pace to score.
Due to the national squad’s boycott of a game against Sudan in Morocco over unpaid allowances, Zambia were unable to play the game in Russia.
Source: Channels TV
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