Ivory Coast upset Nigeria in Olympics qualifying tournament

Silas Gnaka converted a penalty as Ivory Coast surprised Nigeria 1-0 in Cairo in Group B opener at a qualifying tournament for 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Later, severely depleted South Africa drew 0-0 with Zambia in a lively second match of a double-header at Al Salam Stadium. Gnaka scored after Olisa Ndah committed a foul that resulted in him being red-carded, leaving Nigeria to play final 20 minutes a man short.

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Nigeria lacked captain Azubuike Okechukwu and Taiwo Awoniyi after ir Turkish and German clubs refused to release m ahead of vember 11-19 international window. Many European clubs did agreed to free players for tournament, which doubles as Africa U23 Cup of Nations, even though it started and will finish outside window. Meanwhile, South Africa and Zambia provided plenty of free-flowing football only to be let down by poor finishing.

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South Africa arrived in Egypt with just 12 players, and lacked six of 21-man squad when y faced Zambia due to some domestic clubs taking a hard line on releasing players. Former South Africa great Neil Tovey was furious with clubs, saying: "It is a disgrace. It is downright diabolical that y cant have best players."  Tovey, who captained hosts Bafana Bafana ( Boys) to victory in 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, is w South African Football Association technical director.

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On Friday, hosts Egypt edged Mali 1-0 and Ghana came from behind to draw 1-1 with Cameroon in first series of Group A matches. finalists and winners of third-place play-off will represent Africa at 16-nation Tokyo Olympics football tournament. Nigeria have won gold and silver medals, Cameroon gold and Ghana bronze at previous Games. 

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