Okocha claims 1,000th Nations goal
MONASTIR, Tunisia -- Nigeria skipper Jay-Jay Okocha grabbed the 1,000th goal in the history of the African Nations Cup as the Super Eagles walloped South Africa 4-0 in a Group D clash.
Joseph Yobo put Nigeria in front after four minutes from a corner before Okocha fired his milestone goal from the penalty spot to double the advantage on 64 minutes.
Second-half substitute Osaze Odemwingie completed the rout with a brace in the 80th and 82nd minutes in Monastir, Tunisia.
South Africa have now failed to win or even score a goal against Nigeria in four encounters although they looked bright and purposeful for most part of the game.
But it was Everton defender Yobo who put the Super Eagles ahead early on when he coolly slotted home after goalkeeper Emile Baron had fumbled a corner.
Arsenal forward Nwanku Kanu had a chance to increase the lead nine minutes after the opener but he delayed his shot allowing the South African keeper to narrow the angle and save.
Two minutes later Utaka went clean through on goal but Baron's feet denied him. The Lens striker was then on the end of a free kick but his header flashed off target.
South Africa also had their chances and Siyabonga Nomvethe forced a double save from Enyeama after 25 minutes and almost immediately the same player booted his shot wide from six-yards.
Meanwhile, Morocco took advantage of a comedy of errors by the Benin defence to beat the African Nations Cup debutants 4-0 and maintain their perfect record.
Striker Marouane Chammakh was gifted the opener in the 17th minute after Benin goalkeeper Rachid Chitou completely missed a cross.
Benin held out and produced some good attacks of their own until their defence fell apart late in the game, allowing substitute Youssef Mokhtari and defenders Abdeslam Ouaddou and Talal El Karkouri to score in a seven-minute spell.
Morocco, who have yet to concede a goal, lead with six points and need to draw with South Africa to ensure a quarter-final place. Benin have lost both their games.
