Life's all joy for Ghana

Victory and qualification at the expense of Nigeria tastes sweet as Ghana picks the only slot from Zone III for the 2007 All-African Games.

The game ended 1-1 and Ghana thus qualify by virtue of the away goal rule.

Ghana tasted sweet victory once more over Nigeria and a place at next year's All-African Games with qualification past their rivals in the concluding tie of the qualifying series on Saturday.

Qualification for Ghana means a second successive appearance at the All-African Games competition.

The Black Meteors forced their opponents to concede the pain of elimination with a 1-1 draw but with a better goal aggregate in Abuja as Ghana strolled to pick the single slot available in Zone III for this year's competition to be hosted by Algeria.

After a goalless first leg tie in Sunyani, a fortnight ago, Ghana marched on to Abuja where team captain, Michael Helegbe produced the decisive punch to knock out the Nigerians scoring 11 minutes into the second half.

Then in the 24th minute of the half, Nigeria drew level after having a doubtful spot kick awarded them which Adefemi Olubayo converted past goalkeeper Eric Nii Baah to make the scoreline 1-1.

The stakes remained high after that equaliser as Ghana continued playing for everything to complete victory and a goal aggregate result at the end of the day handed the Black Meteors the winners tag from Zone III.

For now Ghana are in the comfort zone after landing qualification for the competition as the Nigerians who were playing at home fold up.

Ghana line up:

Eric Nii Baah, Kennedy Korli, Alfred Arthur, Bawa Mohammed/Jerry Akaminko, Isaac Vorsah, Michael Akuffo, Samsom Cudjoe, Yao Kumordzi/Emmanuel Allan, Michael Helegbe, Sadat Bukari, Emmanuel Clottey/Ofosu Appiah.