Beach AFCON: Sand Eagles hope for Ghana win to reach semi-final

After a good start against Egypt in their first game at the Beach Soccer African Cup of Nations in Lagos, the Sand Eagles of Nigeria lost to Cote D’Ivoire on penalty in their match day 2 game.

They now hope to defeat a Ghana side on Thursday in order to clinch a semi-final ticket from Group A.

The Sand Eagles, who defeated the Pharaohs of Egypt 3-2, suffered their first loss of the tournament after going down 3-1 on penalties against the Ivorians in a very tough game on Wednesday.

And in the other group game between Ghana and Egypt, the Pharaohs had the upper hand winning 5-4 against the West Africans.

Reacting after the games, Nigeria Super Sand Eagles coach, Asamu Ejoor, is optimistic his team will qualify for the semi-finals, after explaining that his team lost their second game due to hard luck.

“We were unlucky against Cote d’Ivoire,” Ejoor said.

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“Now Cote d’Ivoire have four points, we have three points. The group is still open and I am confident we will qualify by the grace of God. What my players need is encouragement.

“We didn’t believe we will lose to Cote d’Ivoire, but the fact that the two finalists will qualify for next year’s World Cup in Bahamas is enough motivation for my player.

“Looking at the game against Ghana who just like Egypt, have not beaten us since 2006, with our experience, we will beat Ghana.

“The Egyptians whom we beat are more technical than the Ghanaians. So, it wouldn’t be a problem for us. There will be a difference on Thursday I’m sure of that,” he added.

On Thursday, Nigeria will play Ghana, who have already crashed out of the competition after losing twice. But the Ghana coach had said in their post-match conference against Egypt that they lost because of poor officiating, but will give their all to win Nigeria.

“I understand when someone make mistakes, but there are certain mistakes that ate not acceptable. It is very bad and I want CAF to talk to the referees,” Daniel Kotey Neequaye said after losing to Egypt.

“Against Nigeria, we will give it our all because every match is important. We may have lost. but that will not dampen our spirit, and hopefully we will win,” he added.

 

 

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