The Ghanaian National cricket team on Tuesday defeated arch rivals Nigeria to top the first stage of the ongoing ICC World T-20 qualifier A in Lagos.
The Ghanian side defeated Nigeria by one run after scoring 120runs in the second innings over the 119runs scored by Nigeria.
Rivalry between both countries dated back to 1904 when a team that represented Lagos Colony played the Gold coast colony who won by 22runs.
Kodam Kofik Anafie, Coach of the Ghanaian side told NAN that the victory was a plus for the team.
Anafie said that the team would not relent in its effort to qualify for the main qualifiers slated for 2019.
“It was a very tensed and difficult match for both team but we emerged winners at the end.
“We still have matches to play and we will be playing Nigeria again on the final day of the qualifiers, so we won’t be distracted,” he said.
Also, Michael Aboagye, captain of the Ghanaian side expressed his joy over the victory.
“It was a very tough one for the team and I must commend my team mates for their resilience and the Nigerians for putting up a good fight,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ogbimi Uthe, coach of the Nigerian side commended his players for their effort in the match.
Uthe said the team would put the loss behind and focus on other matches ahead of them.
“The players did there best but the match did not end in our favour, ” he said.
Ghana is topping the Qualifier A, having won all three matches played so far while Nigeria comes second with two wins out of the three matches played.
Sierra Leone is next in line with one win and two losses while Gambia is yet to record a win in the qualifier that will end on April 22. (NAN)
