By the end of regulation time, the fate of the Super Eagles B of Nigeria and the Black Galaxies of Ghana will be known after the second leg of the African Nations championship is played in Abuja.
The two teams had failed to qualify for the last edition of the competition. For Ghana, it is the last two missed. And none intend for lightening to strike twice or even three times. So, who takes the qualification berth to Algeria 2023?
Obviously, it is advantage Ghana as they go into the tie with a two-goal lead following their 2-0 win at the Gold Coast Stadium at about a week ago.
3rd of September is here and here they are to outwit each other and have one over the other at the MKO Stadium, Abuja.
About the Black Galaxies
A typical Ghanaian team with that physical presence and a blend of flair here and there. A bulk of this team is from the giant of Accra Heart of Oak.
About the CHAN Eagles
The Super Eagles also boost of a rich side with great panache and efficiency. A crop of the players from champions Rivers United, former league champions Akwa United, Enyimba, Plateau amongst other clubs.
Head to Head
Well apart from the first leg encounter, where Ghana triumphed there has not been a match between the home based teams. However, by default, the two teams can be likened to the two national teams where in recent years they both have one match each drawn three times and lost one each. However, the rival has been further stoked with Ghana denying Nigeria that World Cup slot at the qualifiers.
Players to watch
The Black Galaxies are laced with great players from league champions Ashanti Kotoko' Ibrahim Danladi and Moro Ibrahim. Accra Heart of Oak have Suraj Seida who one of the goals in the first leg, Dennis Korsah and Daniel Afriyie who didn't just score in the first match, but has scored the team's last four matches. He is very likely to cause another danage to the Nigeria team. Gladsom Awako comes with experience and solidity with his time as a youth champion, played for Berekum Chelsea and TP Mazembe of Congo.
For the CHAN Eagles, Tope Olusesi, the captain from Rangers well experience and strong defender though is a doubt. If he plays will bring a lot to the effectiveness of the Nigerian team. NPFL top scorer, Chijioke Akuneto should be able to cause the Ghanaians some damage.
Others are Ossy Martins of Rangers, Godspower Aniefiok of Kano Pillars, Ebube Duru in defense and Uche Onwuasonaya both of Rivers United.
Prediction
With the revenge on the minds of the Nigeria team, this looks like a win for them, but just the case of "winning the battle and not the war", the win may not qualify the CHAN Eagles.
Are we going to have a deja vu?
The match starts by 5pm at the Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja on Saturday.
Entry is free, but tickets have to be gotten.