Ghana have failed to qualify for the 2016 Chan tournament after succumbing to a 0-1 defeat to Ivory Coast on Friday.
The Black Stars who had held a 2-1 first leg advantage look more defensive in their approach with Baba Mensah deployed to join Sabahn Laryea in protecting the Ghana defence while youngster Joel Fameyeh led the frontline in the tricky encounter at the Stade de Champroux.
Ivory Coast who were in a must-win situation made five changes to the start list that faced the Local Black Stars in Kumasi.
Tried as they did, the coach Maxwell Konadu side were beaten to a set piece routine which had ASEC Mimosas forward Moukoro Cheick sending a cross for Boua Koffi Davy to slot home the only goal of the game on 35 minutes.
Coach Maxwell Konadu changed his approach to the game in the second half by introducing striker Nuhu Fuseini and Osei Baffour for Baba Mensah and Daniel Darkwah respectively but the Stars failed to find the back of the net. Akowauh also came on late for Kennedy Ashia.
Ivory Coast thus advance to participate at the 4TH edition of the tournament set for Rwanda on the away goal rule with a 2-2 aggregate scoreline. Their one goal gives them the edge over Ghana who will be missing out of the Chan finals for the first time since its inception in 2009.
The 2016 Chan tournament is scheduled for January 16-February 7, 2016.
Ivory Coast 1-0 (2-2) Ghana Line-ups:
Ghana XI v Ivory Coast (4-2-3-1): Richard Ofori – Godfred Saka, Tijani Joshua, Abeiku Ainooson ©, Lawrence Lartey – Baba Mensah/Nuhu Fuseini Emmanuel Sabahn Laryea – Kennedy Ashia/Malik Akowuah, Samuel Tetteh, Daniel Darkwah/Emmanuel Osei Baffour – Joel Fameyeh
Unused subs: Felix Annan, Amos Frimpong, Kadri Mohammed, Akwasi Donsu
Ivory Coast XI v Ghana (4-3-3): Sangare Badra Ali – Goua Maman Marc, Comara Cheikh, Moukoro Cheikh/Samassi Ibrahim, Jimoh Sherif, Aka Essis/Okpekon Yace, Boua Koffi Davy/Zakri Krahire Yannick, Nguessan Yao Serge ©, Sangare Ibrahim, Ouattara Souhaliho, Djobo Atcho Hermann
Unused subs: Ble Zadi Hortalin, Kouassi Diallo, Britto Dagou Willie, Tiaho Denis