Dessers opens goal account as Troost-Ekong’s own-goal gives Mexico victory over Super Eagles
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Mexico got their international window off to a positive start, earning a 2-1 win over Nigeria in Arlington on Saturday.
In front of a healthy crowd in Texas, William Troost-Ekong’s own-goal in the 56th minute eventually proved the difference between the two sides, only two minutes after Cyriel Dessers equalised for Nigeria.
Though Nigeria failed to qualify for this year’s World Cup, El Tri are ramping up preparations for the event in Qatar, with this being the first of three friendlies before the CONCACAF Nations League opener against Suriname in June.
Mexico bossed the early exchanges as the Super Eagles struggled to get a foothold in the game.
Santiago Gimenez then gave Mexico a deserved lead on 12 minutes as his initial effort from a headed pass hit Uzoho and bounced off him into the net.
Andres Guardado almost doubled Mexico lead as he met a long pass but saw his effort parried away by Uzoho.
In the 31st minute Uzoho was called to action again but he made a brilliant save to stop a well struck shot by Guardado.
Before the start of the second half Innocent Bonke went off injured and was replaced by Katsina United’s Faisal Sani.
Mexico continued from where they stopped in the first half and almost doubled their lead early in the second half but Semi Ajayi cleared away a dangerous cross for a corner.
The Super Eagles drew level on 54 minutes through Dessers whose downward header off a delightful cross from Bassey was too strong for the keeper to hold.
Just two minutes later the Mexicans went 2-1 ahead after Troost-Ekong slammed a cross into his own net.
Terem Moffi should have equalised for the Eagles after receiving the ball inside the box but saw his shot miss the target.
Few minutes later Roberto Alvarado received a pass inside the box but could not keep his shot down.
With six minutes left the Mexico almost extended their lead through Diego Lainez but his low shot took a deflection off Troost-Ekong and went out for a corner.
The Super Eagles are now winless against Mexico in six meetings, losing three and drawing three.
Up next for Peseiro’s side is another friendly against Ecuador on June 2.
