The Black Galaxies’ hopes of qualifying for a second consecutive African Nations Championship (CHAN) were dashed following a 3-1 defeat to Nigeria’s Super Eagles B.
The first leg of the playoff ended in a goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium, leaving everything to play for in the return leg.
In the decisive match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Ghana’s head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani introduced three changes to his starting lineup, bringing in Fatawu Sulemana, Abdulai Nurudeen, and Jerry Afriyie to replace Isaac Afful, Hafiz Ibrahim, and Stephen Amankona.
Despite these adjustments, the team struggled to contain the Nigerians.
The Super Eagles B capitalized on Ghana’s defensive vulnerabilities, taking the lead in the 18th minute through Sodiq Ismail of Remo Stars.
Just three minutes later, captain Nduka Junior doubled the lead with a close-range strike after a poorly cleared corner.
Nigeria continued to dominate, adding a third goal before halftime when Isaac Saviour punished a defensive error, rounding the goalkeeper to score.
After the break, the Black Galaxies improved their play, controlling possession and pushing forward, but their efforts yielded limited scoring opportunities.
Ghana eventually pulled one goal back through Stephen Amankona, but it was too little, too late.
The Super Eagles B secured a 3-1 victory on aggregate, earning a place in the 2024 CHAN tournament, which will be hosted across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.