Soccer-Nigeria, Zambia draw 0-0 in group B final match

Kumasi, (Ashanti Region) 1 March, '99 --

Kumasi, (Ashanti Region) 1 March, '99 -- Nigeria and Zambia settled for a goalless draw in a pulsating final Group B match of the Africa Under-20 soccer tournament played at the Kumasi Sports Stadium in Kumasi tonight. The result placed Nigeria at the top group B with seven points followed by Zambia with equal points but with an inferior goal aggregate. The match started on a fast note with Nigeria earning the first corner-kick under a minute but it wasted. The Zambians took total control of the game from then on and with swift accurate passes, they pinned the Nigerians to their own half but the well-knit Nigerian defence repelled the attacks. It was Nigeria, who nearly raced into the lead against the run of play when Haruna Babangida cut lose from the right and centred but Sani Aminu and Garba Hashimu messed up the chance in the 14th minute. The well-drilled Zambians bounced back and in a swift move Nigerian central defender John Aranka nearly conceded an own goal under pressure but the ball veered to corner. The resultant kick was wasted in the 26th minute. The tempo of the game slowed down considerably in the second half as both teams had showed signs of tiredness. Nigeria, who were slightly on top, earned a free-kick in the 46th minute just outside the Zambia penalty box but wasted it. They had another good chance in the 50th minute but Babangida, in a good position, shot aimlessly at goal. Both sides made changes. Zambia pulled out Carvin Chisha for Stephen Kabwe and again brought in Bernard Makufi for Ian Bakala in the 70th, minute while Nigeria replaced Garba Hashimu with Julius Aghahowa in the 66th minute. Andrew Sinkala of Zambia won the best player award. Scorers: Ghana- Augustine Arhinful (5), Yaw Preko (27, 56, 84) Peter Ofori-Quaye (68). GRi .../