Ghana were the better side, says Stephen Keshi

The Super Eagles trainer has praised the resilience of his opponents in Wednesday night’s semi final defeat via penalties in Bloemfontein

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has praised Ghana’s resilience in their African Nations Championship (CHAN) victory on Wednesday in Bloemfontein.

Reduced to ten men in the second half, the Black Stars held on to win 4-1 via penalties after regulation and extra time ended goalless as the Super Eagles wasted a raft of opportunities to break the deadlock.

“Congratulations to Ghana for qualifying for the final. In a game of two competent sides it is always difficult to emerge winners, unfortunately tonight it is Ghana who go through,” Keshi told Cafonline.com.

“The better side won tonight although there wasn’t much to choose between the two sides apart from minor differences and some important saves made in the match.

“All in all l feel these boys (the Nigerian side) have had a good CHAN tournament and there are some among them who we have noted for the World Cup but for now we will [not] reveal their names,” he said.

The Super Eagles averaged three goals per game going into the semi final encounter against the Black Stars but failed to break down the defence of their rivals.

They will face Zimbabwe in the classification match while Ghana will confront Libya for the title on Saturday.