Nigeria wins Mandela cup in South Africa

The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Durban. The annual Nelson Mandela challenge cup was played on Wednesday evening in a well-packed stadium. The two teams were cautious in the early moments of the game, but the Stephen Keshi tutored side were the first team to show a strong intention to win the match.

Portuguese-based John Ogu fired two shots that were saved by the South African keeper. He almost gave the African champions the lead after the half hour mark, but the crossbar denied him his first international goal. Sunday Mba held on to the ball for long periods and that didn't help the fluidity of play in the midfield.

Obinna Nsofor also played poorly in the first 45 minutes of play.

Victor Moses was a thorn in the flesh of the South African defence. The home team almost took the lead towards the end of a goalless first half.

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Second Half
After the break, Stephen Keshi introduced Uche Nwofor. The Dutch-based player put his team in front within 3 minutes of his introduction. A lovely back-heel within the penalty box gave Nigeria a 1-0 lead before the hour mark.

In the 66th minute, Victor Moses delivered a defence-splitting pass and Nwofor was available to slot the ball into an empty net.

The Nigerians have now won two trophies in South Africa in the year 2013.

Everton beaten by Lampard's brace.

Everton FC have ended the calendar year 2012 with a defeat. The 'Toffees' were beaten by 2-1 at the Goodison Park by Chelsea. The Blues started the game poorly as South Africa's Steven Pienaar put the home side in front within the opening two minutes of the match. Nigeria's Victor Anichebe nodded the ball against the post in the first minute of play. Phil Jagielka delivered the initial cross that the Nigerian failed to poke home.

Nikica Jelavic could have doubled Everton's lead five minutes after his team scored their only goal of the game. The former Rangers striker struck the woodwork with a brilliant free kick. Leon Osman fired a shot that was well saved by Petr Cech.
Tim Howard prevented Juan Mata from grabbing an equaliser for Chelsea. After a while, the Spaniard released Cesar Azpilicueta around the penalty box, but his well-drifted cross evaded everyone in the 18 yard box. Pienaar showcased why he is one of Everton's best play makers by providing a through pass for Nikica Jelavic, but Cech tipped around the post.

In the 42nd minute, Fernando Torres passed the ball to Ramires, the Brazilian fired a cross that was nodded home by Frank Lampard.

SECOND HALF
Ross Turnbull replaced Petr Cech at half time.
Fernando Torres wasted a scoring opportunity after David Luiz had ran through the midfield.
Turnbull's first save came on the hour mark from a Jelavic strike that was saved on the goal line. His header also came off the crossbar in a match that Everton failed to win due to ill-luck.
In the 72nd minute, Eden Hazard's shot was parried by Tim Howard, but the American keeper couldn't prevent Lampard from slotting the ball home to give his team an unlikely 2-1 victory.

Liverpool held by Swansea

Liverpool FC couldn't follow up their 3-0 win over Wigan with another 3 points against Swansea City. The 'Reds' were forced to a scoreless draw at the Liberty stadium in Wales. Liverpool's best chance came from Luis Suarez in the 34th minute. The Uruguayan's half volley came off the crossbar.

Some minutes later Jose Enrique's goal was correctly ruled out for offside. After the restart, the home side fizzled out and Liverpool stepped the gear towards the end of the match. Glen Johnson should have scored at least a goal before the half time.

The England right back nodded the ball wide on some couple of occasions. Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing were not impressive for Brendan Rodgers' side.

Pablo Hernandez was the best player for Swansea. The former Valencia winger was a constant threat in the Liverpool defence, but his efforts couldn't beat Pepe Reina. The Spanish goalkeeper has recorded back to back clean sheets in the EPL.

Liverpool are now unbeaten in their last eight league games and their next match is against Tottenham Hotspur.

African Soccer roundup

Al Ahly of Egypt have won this year's edition of the CAF Champions League. Africa's club of the century have set a new record by winning their seventh title. The Egyptian Red Devils have won 5 crowns in 11 years. They won the title in 2001,2005,2006,2008 and 2012.

Esperance lost their title to the Egyptians after a 2-1 defeat at the Rades stadium on Saturday. The Tunisians played a 1-1 draw in the first leg but they couldn't avoid defeat against their North African rivals.

In the CAF Confederations cup, AC Leopard played a 1-1 draw against Djoliba of Mali in Bamako. The South African side will win the competition if they can play a 0-0 draw in the second leg final.

Menawhile, Nigeria's Golden Eaglets defeated the junior eagles of Mali by 2-0 in Calabar. The Manu Garba tutored side lost several scoring chances against their visitors. The return leg will be played in Bamako on December 2,2012.

It will be recalled that the Nigerian Football Federation played the game under an official CAF protest. The Malians looked very hefty and it seems they paraded over aged players.

The encounter was the first leg of the final qualifying round for Morocco 2013 African Youth Championship.