Ghana’s Black Galaxies failed to pick a first-leg advantage in the final qualifying round of the Chan qualifiers at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, December 22, 2024.
The Accra Sports Stadium was calm with some section of supporters hopeful the Black Galaxies of Ghana will turn up against Nigeria in the first leg of this crucial tie.
A 0-0 halftime scoreline reflected the tactical intensity on the pitch, where every player’s move resembled a calculated move in a high-stakes chess match.
Ghana’s defensive line stood resolute, with Nations FC’s Razak Simpson delivering a standout performance.
Calm and composed, he anchored the defence while contributing to the team’s build-up play.
In attack, Kotoko’s Albert Amoah dazzled with his creativity, threading passes and driving forward with flair.
Yet, the Black Galaxies were unable to break down a disciplined Nigerian defence.
The second half began with renewed urgency. A heart-stopping moment came when a Nigerian strike beat goalkeeper Richard Mensah but was mercifully denied by the crossbar.
Moments later, Albert Amoah sent a sublime pass to Jerry Afriyie, whose effort down the flank fizzled out—leaving fans wondering if it was a missed cross or a disguised shot.
Ghana came close on several occasions, with crosses from both wings teasing the Nigerian defence.
However, squandered opportunities and wayward finishing left the score unchanged.
Despite their relentless pressure, the Black Galaxies could not find the decisive breakthrough.
The goalless draw leaves the tie delicately poised heading into the second leg.
With away goals in play, Ghana faces an uphill task—they must either win outright or secure a favourable scoring draw to advance to the CHAN tournamentAs the final whistle echoed, emotions at the Accra Sports Stadium were mixed—relief that Ghana had not conceded and frustration over missed chances to take the lead.
The journey to East Africa remains uncertain, but the Black Galaxies must dig deep and deliver in the return leg to be played on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.