Nigeria started their Wafu B U17 Championship on a promising note when they defeated hosts Ghana 4-2 in Cape Coast on Saturday.
The Golden Eaglets stunned their arch rivals in Group A with two goals in each half to seal the victory that left the home fans disappointed in the coastal city.
Defender Emmanuel Michael put the Nigerians in the lead on 12 minutes when he hit an unstoppable free-kick which the goalkeeper struggled to contain.
The Black Starlets, aware of the stakes in the match, reacted through the slippery winger Andrew Appiah in the 27th and 32nd minutes but the Nigeria goalkeeper Ricardo Ado was in top form to prevent the latter from scoring.
In the 42nd minute, against the run of play, the Nigerians extended their lead through the Precious William which left the Ghanaians dejected.
Back from the break, the Ghanaians attacked straight away with Appiah and captain Collins Agyemang leading the charge but their finishing was poor.
The home side was punished again in the 52nd minute with Jubril Azeez taking advantage of an error by Ghanaian goalkeeper Ahmed Amadu to score the third goal.
With humiliation starring them in the face the Ghana coach brought on substitute Abdoul Razack Salifou.
Salifou scored just three minutes after coming on but the Nigerian killed any hopes of a comeback when Light Eke scored to restore their three goal advantage.
Ghana captain Collins Agyemang converted a late penalty but it was too late to retain any hope of pulling a late dramatic feat.
Meanwhile on Sunday, Cote d’Ivoire will face Benin in the first match while Burkina Faso will take on Niger in the second match of the day in Group B.
Source: CAF
Shuaeeb Is a seasoned sportswriter, social worker, and philanthropist. He has been renowned for his support of disabled sports persons and championing for equal rights and opportunities for all sports persons. He currently does sports volunteering and disability support work aside from writing for this August media.
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