Black Sharks: Ghana Beach Soccer team qualifies for AFCON

Ghana has secured its place at the 2024 Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations after a thrilling 5-2 victory over Côte d'Ivoire on Saturday.

The Black Sharks produced a stunning comeback to cement a 10-5 aggregate win in the playoff.

The match, played at the Stade de Agora in Abidjan, was a pulsating encounter between two of West Africa's beach soccer heavyweights. Côte d'Ivoire started brightly, taking a two-goal lead, but Ghana fought back impressively.

Substitute goalkeeper Robert Nyadedzor opened the scoring for Ghana with a long-range effort, before Wise Nyamadi levelled the scores. Skipper Richard Martei Osai put Ghana ahead, and second-half goals from Precious Torgbor and Jude Asante Aklie sealed the win.

Coach Daniel Neequaye Kotey hailed his side's performance: "I'm incredibly proud of the team. They showed great character to come back from behind and qualify for the AFCON."

Ghana will now compete in the tournament, which will be held in Egypt later this year.