Underdogs Congo Beat Super Eagles In Afcon Qualifier

Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the 2015 African Cup of Nations has been dealt a minor blow after the defending champions lost 2 - 3 to underdogs Congo in both teams opening fixture held in Calabar on Saturday.

The Super Eagles were a threat going forward in the early stages of the game and they were rewarded for their dominance in the 13th minute through Glasgow Celtic defender Efe Ambrose, whose header beat Chansel Massa.

They paid for taking their foot off the pedal immediately the goal was scored as the away team leveled matters two minutes later after a defensive mix-up involving Kenneth Omeruo and Elderson Echiejile gifted Prince Oniangue the equalizer.

Five minutes before the interval, Congo went into the lead for the first time in the game after an interchange of passes freed Bifouma, who easily fired past skipper Austin Ejide.

Bifouma netted his second of the game in the 54th minute after a contentious penalty awarded by the referee, who adjudged Eddy Onazi to have committed an infringement in the 18 - yard box.

With a minute of normal time left, Gbolahan Salami blasted home after a goal mouth scramble, but the Congolese were resilient and held on to the victory.

South Africa, the Eagles’ next opponents on September 10 , defeated Sudan 3 - 0 away on Friday, and now top the group ahead of Congo due to a superior goal difference.