Goalkeeper scores spot-kick to save Zambia
Reuters - Friday 25 January 2013, 16:53
Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene netted a late penalty
after Nigeria missed one against him in the first half to rescue the
defending champions from defeat at the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday.
The
1-1 draw at the Mbombela Stadium between the two heavyweights in Group
C leaves both teams perilously placed without a win but still with a
chance to grab a quarter-final place early next week.
"I'm happy with the result because of the circumstances," Zambia coach Herve Renard told reporters.
"Never forget we had Nigeria ahead of us. We are still alive and we are still in a good way to qualify."
Mweene
slotted home an 85th-minute spot-kick after Emmanuel Mayuka had been
tugged down on the edge of the Nigerian area by Ogenyi Onanzi in what
looked a harsh decision from Egyptian referee Grisha Ghead.
Nigeria
had taken the lead in the 57th minute through Emmanuel Emenike's second
of the tournament after John Obi Mikel had won the ball in midfield and
played in a decisive pass.
Obi Mikel had earlier missed a penalty midway through the first half.
Mweene
had it covered as the ball struck the outside of the post although the
keeper said afterwards he did not get a touch to it.
The penalty was awarded after a clumsy challenge by Davis Nkausu, shifted from full-back to central defence, on Ahmed Musa.
Zambia
have now given away penalties in their last four Nations Cup finals
matches and, in an incredible run of fortune, seen their opponent fail
to score on each occasion.
The
champions had the better of the first half exchanges as they pinned
back Nigeria, who had Victor Moses in the line-up after injury, but
laboured in the second period.
Nigeria
boss Stephen Keshi said: "I have no choice but to be happy but my goal
was to get three points. Zambia were never going to be easy to play
against."