The centre referee, Driss Lamghaidar, and his team have acknowledged their mistake in the dramatic conclusion to the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations first leg qualifying match between Nigeria and Ghana. The match ended in a 3-3 draw after regulation time. According to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Moroccan referee admitted to requesting both teams to play extra-time and penalties, which was incorrect since it was only the first leg.
Nigeria's goals were scored by Isa Hamza Manga, who claimed a hattrick, while Ghana scored through Mawuli Sosu, who scored twice, and Wise Nyamadi. The match was attended by prominent figures from the National Sports Commission and the Kaduna State Government. The NFF revealed that they met with the officials on Saturday night after the match, where the referees admitted their error and confirmed the 3-3 scoreline.
The NFF stated that Lamghaidar admitted to erring in taking the game to extra time and subsequently penalties, as it was only a first-leg encounter with the second leg and decider to come on October 18 in Keta, Ghana. This means that the winner of the second leg will advance to the next round. The Super Sand Eagles, Nigeria's beach soccer team, last participated in the beach soccer AFCON in 2018.
The team has been absent from the tournament for three consecutive editions, including the 2022 edition, where they withdrew due to lack of funds and administrative challenges. Nigeria is a two-time winner of the beach soccer championship during the legacy African Beach Soccer Championship era. They have also been runners-up twice, in 2016 and 2018, since the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rebranded the competition in 2015.
The second leg of the qualifier will take place on October 18 in Keta, Ghana, and the winner will advance to the next round. The Super Sand Eagles will be looking to make a strong comeback in the tournament and overcome their recent challenges. The team's performance in the second leg will determine their fate in the competition.
The match was a closely contested encounter, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. The Super Sand Eagles will look to build on their performance in the first leg and secure a win in the second leg to advance to the next round. The team's fans are eagerly awaiting the second leg, hoping for a strong performance from their team.
The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that the scoreline of 3-3 will stand, and the teams will proceed to the second leg. The NFF has also urged the Super Sand Eagles to focus on the second leg and make a strong push for a win. The team's coach and players will be working hard to ensure a good performance in the second leg.
Key points
- The referee, Driss Lamghaidar, admitted to making an error in the match.
- Nigeria and Ghana ended in a 3-3 draw in the first leg.
- The second leg of the qualifier will take place on October 18 in Keta, Ghana.
