The Black Starlets lost their lifeline to the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after suffering a surprising 2-3 defeat from Nigeria in the 3rd-place playoff at the University of Ghana Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Ghana’s quest to earn a ticket to the continental showpiece were shattered after Golden Eaglets Abdulmuiz Adeleke struck in additional time.
The encounter began with the Starlets, conceding in the 8th from Imrana Mohammed’s strike inches away from the 6-yard box but Herve Gbafa restored parity in the 19th minute.
🚨🇳🇬 GOAAL!!! Nigeria take the lead against Ghana. 1-0. pic.twitter.com/mAEFpyz1jn
— Ghana Naija Ballers (@GHNaijaBallers) May 28, 2024
Gbafa placed Ghana ahead with a delightful header from a corner-kick in the 28th minute but Nigeria levelled before half time through Adeleke.
🚨🇬🇭 GOAL! Ghana in front! It’s 2-1! Harve Gbafa scores his second of the day.
Nigeria behind. pic.twitter.com/iW6SUv5urn
— Ghana Naija Ballers (@GHNaijaBallers) May 28, 2024
Then Adeleke fired one into the goal after a failed clearance by the Starlets defence in the 93rd minute.
Ghana will have to regroup for another edition of the tourney, hopefully in 2025.
