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UEFA Champions League: Victor Osimhen on target despite Napoli quarterfinal exit

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UEFA Champions League: Victor Osimhen on target despite Napoli quarterfinal exit

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigeria international Victor Osimhen was on target for Napoli as they drew 1-1 against AC Milan in their Champions League quarterfinals reverse fixture.
Despite his late equalizer, Mike Maignan’s brilliance, a defensive masterclass from the AC Milan backline, and effective offensive transitions helped the Rossoneri qualify for the semifinals on a  2-1 aggregate.
The Nigerian star missed the first-leg fixture but returned in time for the second leg at the Diego Maradona Stadium, and there was a lot of positivity that he would help Napoli come back from the one-goal deficit and claim victory.
The Partenopei started more determined to overturn the deficit but it was AC Milan who won a penalty from their first attempt in the 22nd minute.
Mario Rui was penalized for a poor tackle in the box but Olivier Giroud was unable to convert from the spot as Alex Meret saved his spot-kick.
However, Napoli eventually conceded before halftime as Giroud finds the net from Leao’s square play.
Osimhen thought he had equalized for the home side at halftime stoppage but his goal was ruled out for handball.
Napoli will rue Georgian star man Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s missed penalty in the 82nd minute, which could have turned the tie on its head.
Eventually, the 24-year-old Nigerian striker gets his goal with just one minute of added time left and it was too late to earn a semifinal spot for Napoli.
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