Ghana have secured a ticket to the 2023 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) after defeating sworn-rivals Nigeria 5-4 on penalty shootouts in the final qualification round on Saturday evening.
The Black Galaxies booked themselves a slot in the next edition of the CHAN to be staged in Algeria in 2023 after beating the Super Eagles of Nigeria on penalties after the two-legged fixture had ended in a 2-2 aggregate.
Second half goals from Rabiu Muhammad Zulkifilu and Morice Chukwu aided Nigeria to record a 2-0 win over Ghana in the second leg tie of the 2023 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) at the MKO Abiola Stadium.
Ghana coach Annor Walker made two changes in his starting line up that defeated the Nigerians 2-0 in the first leg tie at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium last weekend. Dominic Nsobila and David Abagna Sanda were handed starting berth for the first time at the Black Galaxies in the qualifiers.
The Super Eagles ‘B’ commenced the game with an intense pressure on Ghana defense with the hopes of opening the score in the early minutes.
The Black Galaxies back line stood resolute preventing the Nigerians from registering a goal before the end of the first half.
Ghana's goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad made a two magnificent saves on the 25th and 32nd minute to deny Babatunde Bello and Chidiebere Nwobodo from opening the score.
Nigeria dominated the first half of the game but none of their efforts got them a goal as it ended in a 0-0 draw.
In the second half, Ghana coach Annor Walker introduced Amos Acheampong, Umar Bashiru and Jonah Attuquaye were introduced as replacements for Suraj Seidu, Dominic Nsobila and Gladson Awako respectively.
Ghana made tactical substitutions with the above-mentioned names as they cleared every inroads from the Nigerian attackers.
The Nigerians kept tormenting the back line of the Black Galaxies with fearsome attacks which their efforts finally paid off after the hour-mark.
On the 76th minute, Plateau United striker Rabiu Muhammad Zulkifilu snatched the opener for Nigeria with a fine strike to hand them a 1-0 lead.
The Super Eagles continued their impressive performance against Ghana as they piled up pressure on the visitors to double their lead in the dying embers of the game.
2021/22 Nigeria Premier League top-scorer Chijioje Akuneto handed Nigeria a 2-0 win with his late strike on the 95th minute of the game at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
Ghana have qualified to the 2023 Championship of African Nations in Algeria after missing out in the last three editions of the tournament.
