Heroes date Nigeria after hard win

THE National U23 team “Ngorongoro Heroes” advanced to the next round of Africa U-23 Cup of Nations despite picking a 3-3 draw with South Sudan in Rwanda on Monday.

In the first encounter, Tanzania sealed a goalless draw at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam last Friday.

Following the aggregate victory, Tanzania will play against Nigeria in the next round.

It was tense and tight encounter, with both teams fighting hard to pick a lead against the other.

Abdul Suleiman Sopu of Ngorongoro heroes scored an opener in the 10^th minute, converting a spot-kick before Dani Thon levelled the scoreboard for South Sudan in the 25th minute.

Five minutes before the end of the first half, Ally Msengi doubled for Tanzania.

Tanzania completed the first half leading 2-1.

South Sudan players kept pushing to level and their efforts bore fruits in the second half after Joseph Manase’s strike.

The Sudan skipper Rehan Malong scored the third goal in the 66th minute for his side and placed them ahead of Tanzania.

It did not take long for Tanzania to equalise through Kelvin John, who outpassed Sudan’s defender and netted the ball behind yawning net.

The scoreboard remained unchanged for the rest of the minutes despite both teams attempting to score more goals.

In the first encounter, Ngorongoro Heroes’ campaign for a place in the African Cup of Nations began on a low tone after being held to a barren draw.

It was challenging for the U-23 Boys as South Sudan defended with discipline in all 90 minutes of the thrilling game. Still, the game was highly competitive despite being dominated by the Tanzanians.

If South Sudan had not been solid in defence, Tanzania would have snatched many goals. However, their defensive line, complemented by their goalkeeper Anyama Luka stood firm to keep the scoreboard goalless until the end.