Pre-AYC Friendly: Flying Eagles Overcome Ghana

Nigeria gave their preparations for 2015 African Youth Championship a major boost with a 2-0 win over Ghana on Wednesday in the second leg of their friendly.

Musa Mohammed converted from the spot on 70 minutes after Black Satellites defender Yakubu Mohammed handled the ball inside the box and a second goal in added on time destroyed the hosts at the Tema Sports Stadium.

Flying Eagles coach Manu Garba made four changes to the team which drew 2-2 on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Ghana coach Sellas Tetteh rung massive changes and tested his fringe players like Isaac Quansah, Paul Quaye and Yakubu Mohammed.

The match lacked the requisite competitiveness which was exhibited during the first leg due to the changes made by both coaches.

Ghana dominated the first half but could not make them count as they failed to punish the visitors.

Garba’s boys came back from the break revitalized and were the better side and had to wait for 25 minutes to score.

Then in stoppage time, Ifeanyi Matthew slotted home the second goal from a nice move which started by Taiwo Awoniyi on the left.

The Black Satellites will leave for pre-tournament camping in Turkey on Friday while the Flying Eagles are looking to Gambia to prepare.

Ghana are housed in Group B for the tournament and will play South Africa, Zambia and Mali.

Nigeria will play Congo, Cote d’Ivoire and hosts Senegal for the 8-25 March tournament.

Ghana’s starting XI: Mutawakilu Siedu-Kingsley Fobii, Patrick Asmah, Yakubu Mohammed, Stephen Anokye Badu, Paul Quaye, Richard Donkor, Yaw Yeboah, Isaac Quansah, Issah Abbas, Samuel Afful.

Nigeria’s starting XI: Olorunleke Ojo -Musa Mohammed, Samuel Okon, Izu Omego, Abdul Ganiyu, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Akinjide Idowu, Obinna Nwobodo, Musa Yahaya, Taiwo Awoniyi, Usman Hassan.