The Black Galaxies lost 3-1 to Nigeria in the return leg of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.
Coming into the crucial match with a goalless draw in the first leg in Accra, the Black Galaxies needed a positive result to seal qualification.
However, Nigeria, with an aggressive intent in the first half, scored three quick goals in the 19th, 22nd, and 25th minutes through Ismaila Sodiq, Nduka Junior and Isaac Saviour respectively. Ghana never really recovered from that early setback, as defensive lapses cost the team dearly.
One lapsed behind, Stephen Amankona drew one back for the Black Galaxies in the 73rd minute with a cool finish, but it was inadequate to galvanize his team into a come-from-behind victory.
Nigeria progressed on a 3-1 aggregate win, hence eliminating Ghana from the CHAN tournament which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in 2025.
This now serves as a disappointing end to the qualification campaign for the Black Galaxies, who had hoped to secure successive CHAN appearances after their run to the tournament in 2023.
