By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu, GNA
Keta (VR), Oct. 19, GNA- Ghana’s national beach soccer team, the Black Sharks, have qualified for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after defeating Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles 7-4 in the second leg of their qualifying encounter at the Keta Emancipation Beach Soccer Arena.
The victory gave Ghana a 10-7 aggregate win over their West African rivals following a 3-3 draw in the first leg played in Kaduna, Nigeria, securing the team’s qualification for the continental tournament for the second consecutive time.
The second-leg encounter, played on October 18, attracted football enthusiasts and supporters who gathered at the arena to cheer the Black Sharks as they pursued a place in the competition scheduled to be hosted by Senegal in November 2026.
Referees from Senegal officiated the crucial encounter, which saw the Ghanaian side demonstrated determination, attacking strength and resilience to overcome the Nigerian team and complete the qualification process in front of their home supporters.
The Black Sharks entered the match, fully aware of the importance of securing victory after the evenly contested first-leg encounter in Kaduna, where both teams scored three goals apiece, while the Black Sharks side responded to the challenge with an impressive performance to emerge 7-4 winners on home soil.
The aggregate victory represents another significant milestone for Ghanaian beach soccer, as the team prepares to compete in the AFCON for the second consecutive time after participating in the previous edition hosted by Morocco.
Coach Daniel Nii Kotey, Head Coach of the Black Sharks, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), expressed gratitude to the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the Volta Regional Football Association, other supporting organisations, individuals and the team’s supporters for their contributions towards the qualification campaign.
“The support and encouragement received from stakeholders had played an important role in motivating us to remain focused throughout the two-legged encounter, particularly at a time when the team needed to deliver a decisive result,” he said.
Coach Kotey explained that the team’s next major ambition was to qualify for the Beach Soccer World Cup for the first time in its history and described the objective as an important milestone that would raise Ghana’s profile in international beach soccer.
He therefore appealed to the GFA and other relevant authorities, corporate institutions and potential sponsors to provide the necessary financial, logistical and technical support to enable the team to prepare adequately for the AFCON and pursue its longer-term world-cup ambition.
Mr Yaw Kusi Gyamfi Aware, Chairman of the Ghana Beach Soccer League Club Association Committee, congratulated the players, technical team and supporters for their determination, perseverance and commitment throughout the qualifying campaign.
He said the qualification demonstrated the team’s potential and expressed confidence that the Black Sharks could compete strongly at the AFCON in Senegal, stating that the ultimate ambition was to secure a place at the next Beach Soccer World Cup.
“We are calling for a sustained investment in beach soccer development, including improved preparations, competitive opportunities, equipment and welfare support for players, to help Ghana remain competitive against the continent’s leading teams.”
The victory also attracted congratulatory messages from Nigerians, who acknowledged Black Sharks performance and sportsmanship while wishing the team well in the upcoming continental competition.
The messages reflected the longstanding sporting rivalry between the two neighbouring countries and the mutual respect that could accompany competition.
The Black Sharks would now turn their attention to preparations for the AFCON in Senegal, where they would seek to build on their qualification success, challenge for continental honours and take another step towards their historic ambition of qualifying for the Beach Soccer World Cup.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah /Kenneth Odeng Adade