The Black Stars of Ghana conceded a goal in each half as they lost 2-1 to the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Noted as an exercise that will further improve both sides before the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers in June 2024, some notable names were missing in the teams.
Ghana were without Inaki Williams, Kudus Mohammed and Thomas Partey. For Nigeria, skipper William Troost-Ekong and Victor Osimhen were absent.
The exciting game played in Morocco produced a good display from the Nigerians in the first half as Ghana enjoyed a bigger share of possession in the second half.
Tonight, we are sure having the best Jollof for dinner as always ‘NAIJA JOLLOF’ #SoarSuperEagles #NGAGHA pic.twitter.com/Jsd0rQqCzi
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 22, 2024
After dominating possession in the early stages, the Eagles broke the deadlock with Cyriel Dessers’ penalty kick in the 38th minute.
Ht in Marrakesh. Dessers’ goal gives us a 1-0 lead into the break #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/OzMkbzful1
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 22, 2024
After conceding, the Stars probed for the leveller but were unsuccessful as the game transitioned to half time.
After the break, Ghana looked the better side in the encounter but their efforts in attack were well-curtailed by the Eagles defensive line as the game urged into the closing stages.
The Black Stars were reduced to ten men after Jerome Opoku was shown a red card in the 56th minute.
The man advantage ensured the Nigerians a better control of the game in defensive transition and they approached the last minutes with speed in attack.
As a result, the Afcon 2023 runner-up extended their lead with Ademola Lookman’s strike in the 83rd minute after some swift ball movement in midfield.
Ghana got a consolation in additional time as Jordan Ayew netted from the penalty spot in the 93rd minute.
𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 – Our international friendly against Nigeria ends in a defeat.
🇬🇭 Ghana 1️⃣-2️⃣ Nigeria 🇳🇬
⚽️ Jordan Ayew 90+3’ *pen* | Dessers 38’ *pen*, Lookman 83’. #BlackStars | #GHANGA pic.twitter.com/nseFMfGjoq
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) March 22, 2024
This is Nigeria’s first win over the Black Stars since the 1-0 group stage victory in Afcon 2006.
Next games: Ghana will be playing another friendly against Uganda on March 26 while the Super Eagles engage Mali.
Lineups:
Ghana XI: Ati-Zigi; Alidu, Kpozo, Jerome, Addo; Salis, Baba, Forson, Ayew, Semenyo; Nuamah.
46′ Lamptey, Annan; 63′ Kasim; 94′ Osman, Fatawu.
Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Tanimu, Awaziem, Ajayi, Osayi-Samuel; Onyemeachi, Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Iheanacho, Dessers.
72′ Simons, Onyedika; 79′ Onyedika; 85′ Collins.
