Nigeria and Ghana will face for the second time in the CHAN qualifiers play-off in a quest of booking a ticket for the next edition of the tournament in 2023.
The two nations are certainly no strangers in West African football despite clashing at this stage for the first time, the Super Eagles will be expected to give Ghana a stern test, having lost in the World Cup play-offs and the first leg clash of this particular game.
The Black Galaxies are having the upper hand with a 2-0 success recorded in the first leg clash held in Cape Coast last weekend.
Ghana, who are aiming to break their qualification drought for the CHAN tournament hardly needed to break a sweat in the first round, as they breezed into the play-off round, winning with 4-0 aggregate scoreline against Benin.
Nigeria were waiting in the play-off after being declared as stand by for Ghana and Benin, and it would be fair to say that the Black Galaxies have enjoyed themselves in the early exchanges, claiming three wins in three games.
It would have been a shock had Ghana not managed to beat Nigeria in the first leg as they hope to return after a long-term absence from the competition.
Second half goals from Daniel Afriyie-Barnieh and Suraj Seidu ensured the Black Galaxies travel to Nigeria with an advantage from the first leg of their CHAN qualifier.
Afriyie-Barnieh converted from the spot after Ghana were awarded a penalty in the second half.
And with five minutes remaining, Hearts of Oak forward Seidu Suraj doubled the lead after connecting to a David Abagna cross.
The CHAN tournament is exclusively reserved for players plying their trade in their country’s domestic leagues, unlike the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, which is free for all.
The build-up for today’s fierce football rivalry in Abuja will be an exciting encounter, with Nigeria coach Salisu Yusuf, looking to turn down Ghana’s hope.
For Black Galaxies coach Annor Walker, qualifying ahead of Nigeria, just like its senior Men’s team did in the race to the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar, is the mission that must be achieved.
Kick Off Time
The return leg is scheduled for today, 16:00GMT at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. The winner on aggregate will qualify for Algeria 2023.
Team News:
Annor Walker will be expected to make one change in his set-up against the Super Eagles B with Abagna replacing Evans Owusu.
Danlad Ibrahim will still be in posts; Dennis Korsah, Mohammed Alhasson, Konadu Yiadom and Augustine Randolph playing as the 4 defenders ahead of the game.
In the midfield, Gladson Awako on the right side of the center half, Suraj Seidu on the left side and Razak Karim at the center controlling the mid field.
At the attacking position, Jonah Atuquaye on the left side of attack, David Abagna on the right side and Daniel Afriyie Baanie leading the attack.
Elsewhere, top scorer of the just ended Nigeria Professional Football League season Chijioke Akuneto leads the squad coach Salisu Yusuf took to Cape Coast to get the job done with some changes expected to be made to team up for a positive result.
Tv Channel
In Ghana, the game will be televised on, Adepa Tv Channel, Max Tv and other social media platforms.
And some local stations in Nigeria.
