Ghana’s Blacks Sharks defeated Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles 5–4 on penalties after a 4–4 draw in the first leg of their 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Beach soccer qualifier on Saturday at the Murtala Square, Kaduna.
With the win, Ghana will proceed to the second leg which will be held next week in Accra, Ghana.
Speaking after the match, the head coach of Ghana, Daniel Kotey, described the two teams as perenial rivals with deep respect for each other.
According to him, his team was confident of winning the match, saying that the atmosphere in Kaduna was very friendly.
“We know definitely we are coming to Nigeria to win and prepare adequately for the 2nd leg,” he said.
Daniel who commended the officiating, said that he expected the officials to replicate same in the second leg in Accra.
Also speaking, the assistant coach of the Super Sand Eagles, Kakari Christopher, said that destiny played a role on its own because they worked very hard for the match to win.
He said the result went the other way round.
He said the Eagles could still beat Ghana in Accra.
Christopher added that his team would work on their lapses and adequately prepare to beat Ghana at home.
“We will concentrate on the defence. Our attackers are doing great, but the defence, we have to work seriously on that defence to see what we can do,” he said.
Christopher said his team did not utilise the free-kicks they had as much as their counterparts who made use of theirs.
He commended the officiating as being unbias.
Also speaking, the Ghanaian team manager, Djidodo Reuben, described the victory as very important for his team.
He said it was a two-legged qualifier, saying that it was not yet over because the second leg was coming up and they would have to prepare well.
“As a team, we are very good. We know Nigeria has not been in the Beach Soccer fraternity for a couple of years, but having come back now, it’s an excellent showing. So we respect them,” he said.
“We have that rivalry—the Ghana-Nigeria rivalry—and I think that this is keeping the momentum going,” he said
He said that the team would use the home advantage next week in Accra against Nigeria, saying that they wanted to be at the AFCON and would fight for the African championship.
He said that they had an outstanding performance, with Ghana player being the top scorer in the tournament, and the player is consistent with scoring.
Also speaking, the Ghanaian captain, Alexander Adjei, praised three Nigerian players.
He said he played the Copa Lagos and the AFCON with them, adding that they were familiar with each other in different competitions.
Reuber described the victory as exciting and appreciated the Nigerian government and relevant stakeholders for their support.
Source: NAN
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