Ghana and Nigeria secure U-20 AFCON spots with dramatic wins

Ghana and Nigeria clinched their places in the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following impressive semi-final victories in the WAFU B qualifying championship on Sunday. 

Ghana edged Cote d’Ivoire with a resilient 2-1 comeback, while Nigeria overpowered Niger Republic 3-1 to set up a highly anticipated final between the two West African rivals.

Ghana’s Black Satellites faced early challenges against the Baby Elephants, conceding in the 18th minute when Loukou Jaures took advantage of a defensive lapse to put the Ivorians ahead.

Struggling to regain control, Ghana entered halftime trailing but returned with renewed vigor.

In the 47th minute, relentless pressure from Ghana forced an own goal from the Ivorian defense, leveling the score at 1-1.

With momentum shifting in their favor, Ghana pressed for a winner. Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute as forward Jerry Afriyie won a penalty after a decisive run into the box.

Calmly stepping up, Afriyie converted, giving Ghana a 2-1 lead and ultimately securing their U-20 AFCON spot.

Afriyie’s match-winning goal earned him Man of the Match, marking a pivotal moment in Ghana’s qualification journey.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles battled through a spirited performance from Niger.

Although Niger took an early lead in the 10th minute, Nigeria responded strongly.

A 35th-minute equalizer revived the Flying Eagles, and they continued to press, breaking through Niger’s defense in the second half to go up 2-1.

Niger’s attempts to counter left gaps at the back, which Nigeria exploited to extend their lead to 3-1, ensuring their spot in both the WAFU-B final and the U-20 AFCON.

As the final whistle sounded, Nigeria celebrated a hard-earned victory, joining Ghana in the tournament final set for October 30, 2024, in a clash between two of West Africa’s football powerhouses.