Crucial CHAN qualifier: Black Galaxies face tough test in Nigeria

Ghana's Black Galaxies face an uphill battle to secure qualification for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after being held to a goalless draw by fierce rivals Nigeria at the Accra Sports Stadium yesterday.

The home side controlled much of the possession and created several scoring opportunities, but a resolute Nigerian defence, anchored by Enyimba goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena Ani, thwarted every attempt. 

Ani’s outstanding reflex saves left the sparse crowd at the stadium frustrated and kept Ghana at bay throughout the encounter.

With only the winner of the two-legged tie securing a spot in the tournament for domestic-based players, the result sets up a tantalising second leg in Lagos next Saturday.

The Nigerians will be motivated to avenge their elimination at the same stage by Ghana during the previous edition of the CHAN qualifiers.

Ghana's early dominance

The Black Galaxies began brightly, with Aduana Stars striker Stephen Amankona troubling the Nigerian defence in the eighth minute. However, his inviting cross into the box was mishandled by their captain Yakubu Issah, wasting an early opportunity.

Defender Kamaradini Mumudu came close moments later, meeting a floated free-kick with a strong header, but Ani was perfectly positioned to gather the ball.

Nigeria’s first significant foray came in the 14th minute, but Nations FC defender Razak Simpson showed composure to clear the danger.

Ghana responded with waves of attacks, with Amankona’s darting runs on the left wing causing problems for the visitors.

Despite earning multiple corners, the Black Galaxies were unable to convert their dominance into goals, thanks to Nigeria's resolute defending.

The closest Ghana came to breaking the deadlock was in the 25th minute. Mustapha Yakubu dazzled on the right flank, evading two defenders before delivering a dangerous cross into the box.

A melee ensued, with Amankona and Ani grappling for the ball, but the Nigerian goalkeeper ultimately pushed it out for another corner.

Nigeria's resilience

Nigeria's best chance of the half came in the 30th minute through a free-kick just outside the Ghanaian box. Zayyad Musa’s inswinger, however, failed to trouble goalkeeper Richmond Ayi as it sailed harmlessly out of play.

The tension escalated when Nigeria’s Sodiq Akinola Ismaila received the first booking of the match for a cynical foul on Albert Amoah in the 33rd minute.

Ghana pressed on, with Manuel Martey squandering a promising opportunity on the edge of the box and Issah failing to connect effectively with a Yakubu cross before half-time.

A rare Nigerian counterattack in first-half stoppage time saw Ebenezer Abban forced to handle the ball to prevent danger.

Referee Aklesso Gnama issued a yellow card, but Nigerian captain Harrison Nduka Jnr’s subsequent free-kick did not trouble the Ghanaian goal.

Decisive return leg

As the dust settles on the pulsating stalemate, all eyes turn to Lagos, where the second leg promises to be a fiercely contested affair.

Ghana will need to find their cutting edge in attack while maintaining defensive discipline to stand a chance of advancing.