Pain for Ghana, joy for Nigeria as ‘loud neighbours’ secure World Cup spot




The jollof banter continues with Nigeria getting a lick back on Ghana as the Black Satellites failed to qualify for the Under-20 World Cup.Ghana were looking to upset host nation Egypt in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals to secure a final-four spot, which would have automatically seen them qualify for the youth World Cup.Egypt struck early with Sherif Momen scoring a brace in 27 minutes to hand the host a much-needed advantage. The Black Satellites were unsettled and had to dig deep to get something out of the game.They were finally rewarded when Barcelona youngster Abdul Aziz Issah’s long-range effort found its way past the goalkeeper into the back of the net. The first half ended 2-1 in favour of the Egyptians.Recommended For YouSports2025-05-12T15:57:23+00:00The mysterious 100-year football curse that no one has broken yetHere’s the gripping story of the 100-year curse in football that appears to still be working…News2025-05-13T08:50:40+00:00Kennedy Agyapong mocks Anas amid jubilation over $500 defamation award (video)Sports2025-05-13T10:36:28+00:00Rodrygo to leave Real Madrid after tensions with Mbappe and BellinghamRodrygo has decided to leave Real Madrid after a fallout with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, sparking transfer interest across Europe. Details of potential exit…After recess, coach Desmond Offei’s side kept mounting pressure, trying to find an equaliser. That didn’t come until the last minute of the 10 additional minutes when a penalty was awarded to the Black Satellites.READ ALSO: How Ghana stunned everyone to qualify for World Athletics Championship (Video)Abdul Hakim Sulemana converted from the spot to level the scores. The game went into extra time, but the Black Satellites couldn’t find a winner as Aaron Essel saw red in the 107th minute.The game went to penalties and the hosts won 5-4 after Dacosta Antwi missed his kick. It was heartbreak for the Black Satellites.👊🏾 A brave effort from the #BlackSatellites in the penalty shootout, but our journey in the #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 ends here. The shootout ends 5-4 in Egypt’s favor. pic.twitter.com/sEqrV3GtU0— 🇬🇭 Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) May 12, 2025 Nigeria secure World Cup qualificationElsewhere, though, seven-time champions Nigeria defeated defending title holders Senegal 3-1 on penalties in Ismailia to grab a spot in the 2025 U-20 World Cup after a quarter-final exit in 2023.Semi final ticket ✅ FIFA U20 World Cup Ticket ✅ Weldone Flying Eagles #SoarFlyingEagles pic.twitter.com/C1mM1P4QpO— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) May 12, 2025 MUST READ: GH ballers abroad: How top Ghanaian players outside performed over the weekendThe Flying Eagles are on course to win an eighth continental crown, but they first must beat the South Africa.