Ghana defeated Nigeria 2-0 in the first leg of their ticket-deciding tie to the 2022 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) tournament at Cape Coast Sports Stadium on Sunday.
After a goalless first half dominated by the visitors, a deliberate handball offense by centre-back Emmanuel Adegbite in his own penalty area stopping a powerful goal-bound strike by Suraj Seidu led the Black Galaxies to the breakthrough goal.
In-form Hearts of Oak forward Daniel Afriyie Barnieh stepped up and expertly converted the resulting penalty by sending the Nigeria goalkeeper the wrong way in the 50th minute.
Ghana looked more pumped up with a bold attacking display in the second half than they were in the first, denying the Nigerians as much space as earlier enjoyed.
The final 10 minutes got nervy but on the 86th, the Black Galaxies extended their lead.
Suraj Seidu – who was denied the opener – ensured coach Annor Walker’s men will take a 2-0 advantage to Abuja for the second leg next weekend by tucking home the loose ball on a rebound after his first connection to midfielder David Abagna’s brilliant cross was blocked by the Nigeria shot-stopper.
The second leg comes off at Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Saturday, September 3, 2022.
The aggregate winner then secures qualification as one of 18 finalists for the 2022 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) tournament to be hosted by Algeria from January 13 to February 4, 2023.
The 18 teams will be drawn into five groups – three groups of four and two groups of three for CHAN 2022.
