In a 20-minute first-half spell, Nigeria's Super Eagles defeated Mali 4-1 in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final on Wednesday, securing themselves a spot in the finals for the first time since 2000, Reuters reported.
Mali threated to take an early lead, but Nigeria quickly caught up with goals from Elderson Echiejile after 25 minutes, Brown Ideye in the 30th minute and an own goal from Mali defender Momo Sissoko, right before halftime, according to Reuters.
Ahmed Musa, a substitute who replaced Victor Moses after 53 minutes added a fourth goal three minutes later when he beat the offside trap, according to Reuters, scoring by slipping the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa.
Mali famously came back from 4-0 down to draw 4-4 with Angola in the 2010 finals opening game. It seemed like they would never repeat that feat, but they did score a consolation goal when Cheick Diarra fired home in the 75th minute, Reuters reported.
Later at Nelspruit, Ghana will face Burkina Faso - and Nigeria will compete against the winner of that competition.
The Super Eagles have secured third place at four of the last six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, according to Soccer Laduma.
Here are the players on both of the teams, as listed by Soccer Laduma:
Mali: Mamadou Samassa, Fousseiny Diawara, Adama Tamboura, Mahamadou N'Diaye, Molla Wague, Momo Sissoko, Mahamane Traore, Kalilou Traore, Seydou Keita, Modibo Maiga, Mahamadou Samassa.
Nigeria: Vincent Enyeama, Elderson Echiejile, Kenneth Omeruo, Godfrey Oboabona, Efe Ambrose, Sunday Mba, Ogenyi Onanzi, John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses, Brown Ideye, Emmanuel Emenike.
Below is a video of Emmanuel Emenike's goal at today's match:
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