Congo pulled off a major upset by edging reigning champions, Nigeria 3-2 in their Group A clash on Saturday away in Calabar.
A brace from dangerman Bifouma Thievy and the other from Prince Oniangue powered the Diables Rouges to victory whilst Efe Ambrose and substitute Gbolahan Salami scored for the Super Eagles.
The Congolese led 2-1 at half time after coming from behind to cancel Ambrose’s opener on 13 minutes. Oniangue leveled three minutes later before Thievy finished off a one-two with Dore Ferebory and put the visitors in the lead on 40 minutes.
There was more misery for the Nigerians early in the second half when Thievy, who was a constant threat for the hosts backline was felled by Ogenyi Onazi in the vital area for a penalty.
Thievy elected himself for the spot kick which he fired past Nigeria goalie Austin Ejide for his side’s third goal on 55 minutes.
With defeat staring at them, Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi brought on striking duo Emmanuel Emenike and Nosa Igiebor as he varied his tactics. The changes almost paid result on 82 minutes when Emenike back-heeled nicely to Igiebor, only for the Israeli-based forward to fire wide from close range.
A minute from time, Gbolahan pulled one back for the Super Eagles but it was little enough to change their fortunes.
The Nigerians next travel to Cape Town to face South Africa on Wednesday, 10 September 2014. South Africa thumped Niger 3-0 in the other Group A match on Friday in Omdurman.
Elsewhere in Ndola, Zambia were held to a barren draw by Mozambique in a Group F clash whilst Cape Verde silenced Niger 3-1 at their backyard in Niamey in the same group.
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