Ghana hold nerve to beat Nigeria on penalties in Beach Soccer AFCON qualifier

Ghana defeated Nigeria 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 qualifying tie in Kaduna on Saturday.

The result gives Ghana’s Black Sharks an important advantage before the return fixture against Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles in Keta next Sunday.

Isa Hamza Manga was Nigeria’s leading threat, scoring a hat-trick in an entertaining contest and putting the Sand Eagles ahead with the opening goal.

Nigeria also found the net through Ekene Obi in extra time, but they were unable to protect their lead as Ghana fought back to take the match to a shootout.

Mawuli Sosu scored twice for the Black Sharks, while Wise Nyamadi’s extra-time equaliser ensured the match remained level at 4-4 after both regulation time and extra time.

Ghana converted all five of their penalties, while Nigeria scored four, securing victory in the first meeting of the two-legged tie.

The defeat leaves Nigeria needing a strong away performance in Keta to keep their qualification hopes alive. The Sand Eagles must win the second leg after the penalty loss if they are to progress.

The winners of the tie will qualify for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal.