The Black Galaxies of Ghana qualified to Algeria after failing to qualify in three separate attempts by beating their Nigeria brothers 5-4 on penalties despite losing 2-0 in regulation time at the Moshood Abiola Sports Stadium.
A week prior, the Black Galaxies took a giant leap in qualification as Hearts of Oak duo, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, and Seidu Suraj were on the score sheet to ensure a 2-0 victory at Cape Coast Sports Stadium heading into the return leg in Nigeria.
The Nigerians had the daunting task of overturning a 2-goals deficit from the first leg and it was least surprising to see coach, Shaibu field a strong starring berth against the Black Galaxies of Ghana.
READ: Ghana midfielder Edmund Addo joins Red Star Belgrade
His opposing halve coach Annor Walker ringed some changes which saw David Nsobila, David Atanga, and Umar Bashiru take up starting roles ahead of Osei Owusu, Jonah Attuquaye, and Seidu Suraj.
There were few chances in-between the game but the Nigerians were first to the 50/50 balls, pressing their opponents using strength, physique, and pace to their advantage which on a few occasions unsettled the Ghanaian defense.
The second half started with a lot of frantic pace as the home side pressed their visitors for the breakthrough which came through, Zulkifliu Mohammed in the 76th minute for the first goal.
With the match set to end 1-0 in favor of Nigeria even though it meant that they were unable to overturn the 2-0 deficit saw, Akuneto popped to register the second sending the virtually empty stadium into frenzy.
In the end, the Black Galaxies qualified 5-4 on penalties to pick a spot to Algeria,2023.
