Ghana Lose Cup Opener to Nigeria

Ghana have lost in a heartbreaker 1-0 to Nigeria, a bleak moment which casts a pall on the hopes of the Black Stars for CAN.

Ghana had its hopes up early, as injury troubles by the Nigerians forced the Super Eagles to start without many of its stalwarts in the lineup. Jay Jay Okocha in particular was missed due to a thigh injury that apparently has not yet healed.

Ghana played defensively in the early going and through rough tactics and smart heady play managed to maintain a scoreless first section. The Stars were impeded somewhat by prissy refereeship and a flurry of cards, especially in the second half, perhaps designed to bring the squads out of their shells.

The side held up well until the 84th minute, when fullback Taiwo found the back of the net for the winner for the Nigerians.

Certainly not the result that we all would have desired, but plucky play was shown, and perhaps if Senegal stumbles versus Zimbabwe today there will be some hope.