International

Iwobi seals qualification for AFCON 2019

Iwobi

We had six Gunners in international action on Saturday night. Read on to find out how they fared.

Alex Iwobi played 90 minutes as Nigeria claimed a 1-1 draw against South Africa to secure qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. 

The Super Eagles took an early lead after Buhle Mkhwanazi inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, but less than 20 minutes later Lebo Mothiba levelled the score.

Ahmed Musa then thought he’d restored their lead in the 83rd minute, but his effort from close range was ruled out for offside. However, a single point was all that was needed to seal qualification for Nigeria.

Tyreece John-Jules scored twice off the bench for England Under-18s as they ran out 3-1 winners over the Republic of Ireland.

Following a goalless first half, it was the Irish who opened the scoring just three minutes into the second half through Adam Ipah.

However, with 15 minutes left to play, John-Jules was called into action from the bench and the game instantly turned on its head.

The 17-year-old equalised with a cool finish, before putting England in front less than three minutes later.

Deep into stoppage time another Gunner got on the scoresheet, as Folarin Balogun found England’s third. Arthur Okonkwo was an unused substitute. 

Tyreece John-Jules

Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka helped England Under-19s to make it two wins from two in European Championship qualifying with a 3-1 win over Iceland. 

Steven Sessegnon opened the scoring for England in the 13th minute, but the two sides were level at the break after Isak Oli Olaffson found the back of the net with a thumping header.  

Middlesbrough forward Stephen Walker then struck twice in the second half to secure all three points. The youngster pounced on Smith Rowe’s saved effort to give England the lead, before latching onto Morgan Gibbs-White’s delivery for his second of the afternoon.

Emile Smith Rowe