Former Golden Eaglets forward Stanley Iheanacho starred for CD Mafra on Friday, inspiring them to a 2-1 victory over UD Santarém in the opening match of the second round of the Liga 3  Championship qualification phase.

In the 37th minute, Mamor Niang opened the scoring with a superb left-footed strike, set up perfectly by Iheanacho's header.

UD Santarém responded five minutes into the second half through Gonçalo Teixeira, who converted a pinpoint cross from João Ricardo to level the match.

Throughout the game, Iheanacho's pace constantly troubled the visitors' defence. 

CD Mafra had to wait until the fourth minute of stoppage time for the Nigerian forward to decide the contest. 

Showing great composure, Iheanacho went shoulder-to-shoulder with Marco Grilo before firing the ball into the net for the decisive goal.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season, registering ten goal involvements in 24 league appearances, with nine goals and one assist.

Iheanacho joined CD Mafra in the summer of 2024 from Danish Superliga side FC Midtjylland. 

He is a product of FC Hearts, an Abuja academy renowned for producing talents such as ex-Nigeria U17 captain Musa Muhammed and Ifeanyi Mathew.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel