CHAN
Nigeria and Ghana coaches talk tough ahead of CHAN qualifier tie
Both Coaches Daniel Ogunmodede and Mas-Ud Didi Dramani of Nigeria and Ghana respectively, have stiffened their muscles further on the sticks as they beat the drums harder ahead of Saturday’s 8th African Nations Championship qualifying tie-breaker in Uyo.
At the pre-match press conference on Friday evening, Dramani insisted his boys created the greater chances in the first leg in Accra and will not be sitting ducks for the Eagles to peck relentlessly at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
“We created far more chances and were unlucky not to score. No need to cry over spilt milk. Tomorrow is an opportunity to get the goals and qualify for the CHAN. It is not going to be easy as there is never any clash between Nigeria and Ghana that can be easy.
“The Super Eagles team is a good one and we have to take our game to another level. We will play an attacking game. Football is about scoring; even when you’re consciously soaking up pressure, you’re still looking to go on the counter and score. Our objective is to qualify for the final tournament.”
Ghana stopped Nigeria from reaching the 2009 and 2023 finals, in Cote d’Ivoire and Algeria respectively, and also defeated Nigeria after a penalty shootout when a semi-final clash at the 3rd African Nations Championship in South Africa in 2014 ended scoreless.
In addition, the Black Stars barred the Super Eagles from reaching the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals, despite a scoreless finish in the first leg in Kumasi. In Abuja, Thomas Partey scored before a William Ekong penalty evened the scoreline, but the result was enough to spring the Stars to the final tournament in Qatar at the expense of the Eagles.
However, Coach Ogunmodede insisted it is a new day and a new setting when both senior home-based professionals battle it out in south-south Nigeria on Saturday evening.
“They (Ghana) may be depending on so much history and the times they have been victorious over Nigeria, especially in the CHAN, but we are blind to that. In camp, we are not allowing any historical talk to distract us. We are focused on achieving the win that will see us qualify for the finals.
“We are prepared physically, mentally and psychologically for this match. Our special plea is for the fans to troop out on Saturday to come and support the boys. The Ghanaians came out in large numbers to support their team in the first leg and this imbued their players with extra energy and aggression.”
For the first time, Nigeria on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo edged out Ghana in an African Nations Championship duel after a 3-1 win to get a 3-1 aggregate victory after the first leg ended goalless in Accra.
It was the seventh encounter of both countries in the African Nations Championship and aggregate scorelines including that of the semi-finals at the 2014 editions had been in Ghana’s favour.
For Ghana, it was a double blow on Saturday as the country had also failed in the qualification for the more prestigious Africa Cup of Nations also holding in 2025.
Sodiq Ismail shot Nigeria ahead in the 18th minute and his clubmate in Remo Stars, Nduka Junior doubled the lead three minutes later before Enugu Rangers’ Saviour Isaac put in the third goal to give Nigeria a 3-0 lead in a space seven minutes.
Ghana pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute through Stephen Amankuna.
Nigeria now qualifies for the final tournament holding in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Niger became the latest team to secure a spot in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) following a goalless draw against Togo in their second-leg encounter on Friday.
The Mena A’ side advanced on the away goals rule, having drawn 1-1 in the first leg played in Lomé.
The match, held at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali, saw both teams produce a cautious performance.
Despite their efforts, the local Sparrowhawks of Togo failed to find the breakthrough they needed to overcome Niger’s slight advantage.
The result ensures Niger’s fifth appearance in the CHAN finals, cementing their status as one of the competition’s consistent performers.
Meanwhile, Sudan became the first team to book a place in the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a resilient 2-1 victory over Ethiopia in their second-leg clash on Wednesday.
The result, combined with a 2-0 win in the first leg, saw the Nile Crocodiles comfortably advance 4-1 on aggregate to play in the tournament following Wednesday’s match.
The match, played in front of a jubilant home crowd, saw Sudan start with intent. Musa Kanti opened the scoring in the 16th minute, piling pressure on the Walya Antelopes, who faced a daunting three-goal deficit.
Ethiopia struggled to find a foothold in the first half as Sudan’s defence held firm.
After the break, the visitors showed more determination and were rewarded in the 65th minute when Bekele Berhane struck to level the game.
However, Ethiopia’s joy was short-lived. Just four minutes later, Sudan’s captain Mohamed Abdelrahman restored the lead with a clinical finish, sealing the win and Sudan’s fourth CHAN qualification.
Ethiopia’s spirited effort fell short as the Walya Antelopes failed to overturn their first-leg deficit.
Sudan’s consistency throughout the qualifiers was evident, as they maintained control over both legs to secure back-to-back CHAN appearances.
Sudan now looks ahead to February’s tournament, co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, where they hope to make a significant impact.
As the qualifiers continue, nine additional teams are set to be decided on Saturday.
Key fixtures include Burkina Faso’s bid to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon’s attempt to maintain their slim advantage over the Central African Republic.
The final four spots for the CHAN 2024 tournament will be determined on Sunday. Mali is looking to recover from a 1-0 loss in their first-leg clash against Mauritania.
The eagerly anticipated tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1 to 28, 2025.
The CHAN tournament, exclusive to players competing in domestic leagues, showcases local talent on a continental stage.
-CAF
CHAN
Nigeria – Ghana ‘Jollof Derby ‘ headlines fierce rivalries as CHAN 2024 qualifiers reach climax
The stage is set for an electrifying weekend as the second-leg matches of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers unfold.
Topping the bill is the “Jollof Derby,” a historic clash between arch-rivals Ghana and Nigeria, with a spot in the CHAN finals at stake.
After a goalless first leg in Ghana, the Black Galaxies will head to Uyo, Nigeria, seeking to replicate their triumph over the Super Eagles B in last year’s qualifiers.
Led by coach Didi Dramani, the Ghanaians have bolstered their squad with 26 players, determined to silence the home crowd at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Meanwhile, Nigeria, under the guidance of Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu, is equally resolute.
Anas Yusuf, a key forward and NPFL’s top scorer, expressed confidence, declaring, “We’re ready to deliver a victory as a New Year’s gift to Nigerians.”
Elsewhere, Cameroon will look to build on their 1-0 first-leg advantage over the Central African Republic in Bafoussam.
Coach Simplice Soh’s Indomitable Lions A’ have shown defensive grit, but the Central Africans remain hopeful of causing an upset despite a challenging away fixture.
Niger and Togo clash in Bamako after a tightly contested 1-1 draw in Lomé. While Togo grapples with key injuries in defence, coach Kader Coubadja remains optimistic, trusting his squad’s depth.
Niger, meanwhile, aims to capitalize on their home advantage in this decisive encounter.
Defending champions Senegal host Liberia in Diamniadio, seeking to solidify their qualification after a 1-1 draw in Monrovia.
Senegal has made strategic reinforcements, adding Daouda Ba and Moussa Diallo to address defensive gaps and strengthen their attack.
Other notable fixtures include Burkina Faso’s uphill battle against Cote d’Ivoire, trailing 2-0 from the first leg, and Guinea’s effort to fend off Guinea-Bissau in a regional derby.
With suspense at an all-time high, these matches promise a thrilling conclusion to the CHAN 2024 qualifying campaign.
Match Schedule (GMT):
Friday, December 27, 2024
- 16:00: Niger vs. Togo
Saturday, December 28, 2024
- 13:00 : Zambia vs. Mozambique
- 16:00 : Burkina Faso vs. Ivory Coast
- 16:00 : Cameroon vs. Central African Republic
- 16:00 : Guinea-Bissau vs. Guinea
- 16:00 : Nigeria vs. Ghana
- 16:00 : Rwanda vs. South Sudan
- 16:30 : Angola vs. Lesotho
- 17:00 : Senegal vs. Liberia
Sunday, December 29, 2024
- 12:00 : Madagascar vs. Eswatini
- 13:00 : Uganda vs. Burundi
- 14:00 : Congo vs. Equatorial Guinea
- 16:00 : DR Congo vs. Chad
- 16:00 : Mali vs. Mauritania
-CAF
Follow the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- CHAN1 week ago
Nigeria coach Daniel Ogunmodede speaks on Ghana clash
- CHAN1 week ago
Rabiu Ali on record mission as Super Eagles B leaves for Accra for CHAN qualifying encounter with Ghana
- Olympics1 week ago
What IOC presidential candidates promise for the future of Olympic Games – A Look at candidates’ manifestos
- International Football1 week ago
Paul Pogba’s brother sentenced to prison
- Carabao Cup1 week ago
Tottenham survive Man Utd comeback to reach League Cup semis
- International Football2 days ago
A year to remember for African Football
- CHAN1 day ago
Nigeria – Ghana ‘Jollof Derby ‘ headlines fierce rivalries as CHAN 2024 qualifiers reach climax
- CHAN1 day ago
“We’ll be the first to overcome Ghana in CHAN, says Ogunmodede