Congo stun African champions Nigeria

JOHANNESBURG: Defending champions Nigeria suffered a stunning 3-2 home loss to Congo Brazzaville Saturday on matchday 1 of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying competition.

It was the first defeat in 47 home matches for the Super Eagles since qualifying started 48 years ago and the first time they conceded three goals at home in an eliminator.

The Congolese Red Devils were not even supposed to be in south-eastern city Calabar having lost a preliminary tie against Rwanda. But the Rwandans were kicked out of the competition for fielding an ineligible player and Congo got a second chance.

Celtic defender Efe Ambrose nodded Nigeria into an early lead at UJ Esuene Stadium only for Prince Oniangue to level within three minutes.

Goals either side of half-time from Thievy Bifouma -- the second from a powerfully struck penalty -- gave Congo a two-goal lead before Gbolahan Salami snatched a late consolation.

Defeat added to the problems haunting Nigerian football.FIFA will ban the country if controversially-elected national football federation head Chris Giwa does not step down by early Monday.

A suspension would prevent Nigeria playing South Africa in Cape Town next Wednesday and lead to disqualification from the Cup of Nations.
Coach Stephen Keshi did not have his contract renewed after a last-16 exit from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and guided the Eagles against Congo as a caretaker.

Ghana were another World Cup team who failed to take advantage of playing at home as Uganda forced a 1-1 draw at Baba Yaro Stadium in Kumasi.

Tony Mawejje put the Ugandan Cranes ahead on the stroke of half-time in Group E and Andre Ayew levelled from a 50th-minute spot-kick. (AFP)