Good evening and welcome to the live text coverage of the international friendly match between the Black Stars of Ghana and the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Ghana is taking on its West African counterpart today in the first of two friendly matches to be played in the March international break.
Ahead of the game, Coach Otto Addo has named Lawrence Ati-Zigi as the goalkeeper.
The goalie is being protected by a defensive backline made up of Alidu Seidu, Patrick Kpozo, and Jerome Opoku.
Abdul Salis Samed is the main man in midfield and will be assisted by youngster Forson Amankwah.
Antoine Semenyo is the striker for the game and will have support from Jordan Ayew and Ernest Nuamah.
Our team to face Nigeria! šš¾
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ā š¬š Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) March 22, 2024
We are just 30 minutes away from kick-off.
First half:
1' The game has started at Grande de Stade Marrakech in Morocco.
5' A very lively start to the game but neither side has been able to threaten.
10' It's goalless after the first 10 minutes of the contest. Good game so far.
13' Nigeria with a very good chance but Lawrence Ati-Zigi produces a fantastic save to keep the scoreline the same.
19' Ghana wins a free-kick in a very good area. The cross must be good to result in a goal. Jordan Ayew takes but it is dealt with by the defense of Nigeria.
22' Nigeria with a very good play in Ghana's half. Unfortunately, there is an offside which brings the attack to nothing.
25' Ghana has been strong despite playing with some new boys. Good first half for the Black Stars but they must up their game to take control of the contest.
30' After half an hour, there have been no goals.
34' It remains a closed contest but that could change now. Nigeria has been awarded a penalty kick.
38' After a delay around the penalty area, Nigeria has scored from the spot to take the lead.
40' We are into the last five minutes of the first half.
42' Antoine Semenyo is sent through on goal. His speed is not enough as he sends his effort wide under pressure.
45' We are doing three minutes of additional team.
45+3' That will be all the action in the first half. We will be back after 15 minutes for the second half.
Second Half:
We are back for the second 45 minutes of the friendly.
46' The Black Stars have started well in the second half.
48' Tariq Lamptey tries his luck from the edge of the Nigeria area but his effort is wide.
50' Ernest Nuamah and Tariq Lamptey combining very well in the attack of Ghana. It's been Ghana all over the Nigerians since the restart.
52' Nigeria comes forward with Kelechi Iheancho who runs past multiple Ghana players. He fires a shot at goal but misses the target.
54' Tariq Lamptey with a very good cross into the Nigeria box. He finds Jordan Ayew whose header is saved. Ghana wins a corner kick but nothing comes out of it.
60' We have now done an hour in this international friendly. Nigeria still leads Ghana by a goal to nothing.
62' Ghana will play the rest of the game with 10 men. Jerome Opoku has been sent off.
63' Coach Otto Addo is making a tactical change. Forson Amankwah makes way for Kassim Nuhu Adams.
66' Even with this numerical advantage the Super Eagles of Nigeria are not in control. Still hope for Ghana.
70' Ghana 0-1 Nigeria
73' The tempo of the game has slowed a bit. It's now clear this is a friendly match as no side is showing urgency.
78' Black Stars win a free-kick in a very good position. Jordan Ayew as usual will take the kick. Jordan Ayew finds Tariq Lamptey but his shot is saved. Corner to Ghana.
80' Jordan Ayew takes the corner kick but no connection.
83' Goal!!! Nigeria has scored another one. This time it is wing wizard Ademola Lookman with the goal.
85' The tempo of the game is at its lowest.
90' We will play five minutes of additional time.
90+3' Antoine Semenyo is brought down in the Nigeria area and wins a penalty for Ghana.
90+4' Goal!!! Jordan Ayew scores from 12 yards to reduce to deficit for Ghana.
90+7' It's all over here. Ghana carries the day with a 2-1 win.
Thank you for joining us for the game.
Join us on March 26 for the live text commentary of the friendly between Ghana and Uganda.