Nigeria responded to their home shocking defeat last Thursday to beat Central African Republic 2-0 in Douala, and go top of Group C of the FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022 qualifiers on Sunday.
Meanwhile in Cotonou, Tanzania defeated hosts Benin to share Group J top spot on seven points each.
Central African Republic 0-2 Nigeria
In Douala, Cameroon, Nigeria scored twice in the opening half at Japoma Stadium to cement their Group C top spot, beating hosts Central African Republic 2-0.
After receiving a last minute shocker at home in Lagos last Thursday, the Super Eagles wanted to make amends and maintain top spot, which they achieved in Douala, where Central African Republic play their home games.
After a cagey start from both sides, defender Leon Balogun gave Nigeria the lead a minute before the half hour mark.
The visitors continued dominating the game, and went to the break leading 2-0. Victor Osimhen doubled the Super Eagles’ lead in the first half injury time to ease the pressure on coach Gernot Rohr men.
After the break, the hosts made attacking substitutes trying to get back into the game, but Nigerian defense and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye stood tall to all their attempts.
Nigeria raised their tally to 9 points, five more than Central African Republic and Cape Verde, who faces Liberia (3 points) later on Sunday.
Benin 0-1 Tanzania
Meanwhile at Stade de l’Amitie in Cotonou, hosts Benin lost Group J top spot to Tanzania after conceding a home 1-0 defeat.
The Taifa Stars went into the game to revive from their home 1-0 defeat last Thursday, knowing a win will take them to top spot in the group.
Simon Msuva opened the scoring in the sixth minute to give the visitors an early lead, one that the held on till the end of the opening half.
In the second half, Benin threw more men in attack trying to restore parity. Tanzanian goalkeeper Aishi Manula denied Steve Mounie and Mikael Pote to keep his side ahead.
Tanzania lead the group on goal difference from Benin, both on seven points. DR Congo follows on five while Madagascar trails the pack pointless.
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