The CHAN Eagles today put up a solid defensive shift to frustrate hosts Ghana to a goalless draw in the first leg of a 2024 CHAN playoff.
It was a battling display by the team led by coach Daniel Ogunmodede and they deserved the result they pulled off today in Accra.
The return leg will be played in six days with the overall winners advancing to the 2024 CHAN to be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in February 2025.
Ghana took the game to Nigeria from the onset, but goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena and an uncompromising defence led by captain Nduka Junior and the very effective Ifeanyi Onyebuchi lived up to expectations to keep out the home team.
Enyimba goalkeeper Ozoemena, preferred to the more experienced Kayode Bankole, justified his starting spot as he pulled off a good save early in to this highly physical contest off free header inside the box.
Ater the break, substitute Papa Daniel brought new energy to the CHAN Eagles and he was only denied a goal by the post in the 58th minute, when his bullet from distance came off the upright with the Ghana goalkeeper well beaten.
The CHAN Eagles showed very little upfront and will have to step up in this department in Uyo to book their flight to the 2024 CHAN at the expense of their arch-rivals, who incidentally denied them a place at the 2022 CHAN in Algeria.
CHAN Eagles Starting XI vs Ghana:
Henry Ozoemena – Nduka Junior (Captain), Ismail Sodiq (Waliu Ojetoye), Imo Obot,Onyebuchi Ifeanyi – Jide Fatokun, Saviour Isaac (Papa Daniel 46), Zayyad Musa (Stephen Manyo 88) – Sikiru Alimi (Emmanuel Ogbole 69), Abubakar Adamu, Yusuf Anas
