The Black Galaxies of Ghana have edged their Nigerian counterparts 2-0 in the 1st leg of the 2022 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) final round qualifier at the Cape Coast Stadium on Sunday evening.
Two second half goals from Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and Seidu Suraj put Ghana on the verge of qualification ahead of the return leg in Nigeria.
Nigeria put up an impressive show in the first half to hold the Black Galaxies but Ghana settled later on and took control of the game.
The Super Eagles had their share of attempts at goal but Ghana were able to keep them at bay for most part of the exchanges.
Ghana finally broke the deadlock – one minute after the break as Daniel Afriyie Barnieh converted a spot kick to give his side the lead after Nigerian defender Oluwatosin Emmanuel Adegbite handled the ball in the box leading to a penalty.
Abagna came close with the second goal in the 56th minute but his curled shot from the edge of the box went few inches wide.
Ghana then took control of the game with some delectable displays following the introduction of Umar Bashiru and Agyenim Boateng Mensah for Gladson Awako and Jonah Attuquaye.
Seidu Suraj made it 2-0 for Ghana as he pounced on a rebound to smash home – with Nigerian goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka Sunday completely beating.
The second leg of this tie comes off next Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.