By Ashiadey Dotse
Ghana’s Black Galaxies have failed to qualify for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after losing 3-1 to Nigeria’s Super Eagles B in the final playoff match.
The first leg in Accra ended in a goalless draw, setting up a decisive second-leg clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria.
Ghana’s head coach, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, made three changes to his starting lineup, introducing Fatawu Sulemana, Abdulai Nurudeen, and Jerry Afriyie. However, the team struggled to handle Nigeria’s attacking pressure.
Sodiq Ismail opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 18th minute, and captain Nduka Junior added a second just three minutes later after a poorly cleared corner. Isaac Saviour then punished a defensive mistake to score Nigeria’s third goal before halftime.
Despite a better second-half performance, the Black Galaxies could only manage a consolation goal through Stephen Amankona.
With a 3-1 aggregate victory, Nigeria’s Super Eagles B have secured their spot in the 2024 CHAN tournament, set to take place in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
