Black Sharks hold Nigeria in six-goal thriller as AFCON qualification battle heads to Keta

Ghana’s Black Sharks remain firmly in contention for a place at the 2026 CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations after battling Nigeria to a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg of their qualifier at Murtala Mohammed Square in Kaduna on Saturday. Nigeria’s Isa Hamza Manga threatened to tilt the contest in the hosts’ favour with a superb hat-trick, but Ghana responded through Mawuli Sosu’s brace and Wise Nyamadi’s strike to ensure the tie remained evenly balanced. The result sets the stage for a decisive second leg in Keta on Sunday, October 18, where the Black Sharks will seek to capitalise on home advantage and secure qualification for the continental tournament in Senegal. With neither side holding an advantage after the opening encounter, Ghana must deliver another determined performance on home sand to overcome Nigeria and keep their hopes of continental glory alive.