MARGAO: Hosts India bowed out after being handed a 1-0 defeat by ten-men Nigeria in the semi-finals of Expo 2014 Unity World Cup football match, at Raia Panchayat ground, Raia, on Thursday. The tie was scoreless at the lemon break.
The all-important goal was scored by Adekunle Joseph in the 59th minute.
Nigeria having cruised through the league matches were the favorites while India with some solid performances had caught the attention of the crowds.
Both the teams enthralled the crowd with a good show of football. India came close in the opening exchanges through Chetan Mukhi who drew an acrobatic save from goalkeeper Folarin Olugbenga.
In the dying moments of the first half, Joshua Vaz’s attempt hit the woodwork.
The second half began in the same tempo but was marred by a red card to Akorlsahu Umoru of Nigeria for a challenge on Chinta of India in the 54th minute.
However, four minutes later, Adekunle Joseph broke the deadlock for Nigeria with a solo effort.
Nigeria held on to their lead even after efforts from India to equalize booking a place in the final.
The man-of-the-match was awarded to Chukwuma Onuwa of Nigeria and was handed by Fr Succor Mendes
The second semi-finals between Colombia and Portugal will be on December 12, at Raia ground, at 7 p.m.
