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Martins gives Nigeria comeback win

PORT SAID, Egypt -- Two late goals from Obafemi Martins fired group winners Nigeria into the quarterfinals of the African Nations Cup with a 2-1 victory over Senegal on Tuesday.

Senegal also qualified as Group D runners-up on goal difference above World Cup finalists Ghana who suffered a shock 2-1 loss to Zimbabwe in Ismailia.

Martins grabbed an 88th-minute winner for the Super Eagles having equalised nine minutes earlier. Both were close-range efforts set up by substitute Nwankwo Kanu.

It was the first goals of the finals for the Inter Milan striker, who had been tipped as one of the key players before the start of the tournament in Egypt.

Kanu set up Nigeria's comeback with a cross that Senegal's usually reliable goalkeeper Tony Sylva failed to hold, allowing Martins to head home virtually on the goal line.

A quick free kick saw Martins net the winner from a similar position nine minutes later but this time after Kanu at the back post had headed the ball into this path.

Senegal had been the better side over the first 45 minutes but Pape Bouba Diop and Henri Camara both squandered chances.

In the 59th minute Senegal finally broke the deadlock when Henri Camara's shot was parried by Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and sub Souleymane Camara followed up to drive in from close range.

Henri Camara could have extended the lead soon after but for a brilliant save from Enyeama as he broke through the Nigerian defence.

Senegal made two changes to shore up their defence just before Martins pulled Nigeria back into the fray.

Nigeria now meet defending champions Tunisia in their quarter-final in Port Said on Saturday while Senegal play Guinea in Alexandria on Friday.

Midfielder Cephas Chimedza put Zimbabwe in front on the hour mark and striker Benjani Mwaruwari galloped through to add the second in Ismailia.

Baba Adamu pulled one back for Ghana in stoppage time.

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