Ghana edge Nigeria on penalties in 2026 Beach Soccer AFCON qualifier

Ghana’s Black Sharks beat Nigeria’s Sand Eagles 5-4 on penalties after a 4-4 draw following extra time in the first leg of their 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) qualifying tie in Kaduna on Saturday.

The result gives Ghana the advantage before the second leg in Keta next Sunday, with the winner of the two-match contest qualifying for the 2026 BSAFCON in Senegal.

Nigeria made the stronger start as Isa Hamza Manga scored the opening goal and went on to complete a hat-trick. The Sand Eagles remained in contention throughout a closely fought match, while Ekene Obi also scored during extra time.

Ghana refused to surrender, with Mawuli Sosu scoring twice for the Black Sharks. Wise Nyamadi then equalised in extra time to ensure the match remained level after both normal time and the additional period.

The deadlock could only be broken by a shootout, where Ghana converted enough of their penalties to secure a 5-4 victory.

Nigeria must now win in Keta to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes of reaching the continental tournament alive.