GHANA-NIGERIA 4-1: Ghana's Coach Says Keshi "Still Africa's Best"

On Wednesday, January 29, 2014, Ghana's Black Stars beat Nigerian Super Eagles 4-1 on penalties in the semi-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN). Despite the victory, Ghana's coach Maxwell Konadu praised his Nigerian counterpart, Stephen Keshi, saying he is still the best in Africa.

Coach Konadu believes the defeat does not belittle Coach of the Year's reputaiton.

"I do not think this game will change his [Keshi's] status in Africa. I know Nigerians are behind him. They all respect him and what he has done with the local team," Konadu told reporters in Bloemfontein on Thursday morning.

"We know how African football is and I had said that he [Keshi] is the kind of man we need in African football. We all follow his steps and we are all learning from him as well.

"This is just but one match, I do not think the outcome has changed his status," he added.

On his part, Keshi praised Ghana's performance in yesterday's face-off.

"Congratulations to Ghana for qualifying for the final," he said after the game. "In a game of two competent sides it is always difficult to emerge winners. Unfortunately, tonight it is Ghana who goes through."

Keshi also said the Super Eagles did very well, despite the defeat.

"This team has only been together for about six weeks. I am beginning to fall in love with them," Keshi acknowledged. "And I know if I stay six months with them, they will become what I want them to be. I salute them for what they did for Nigeria and for themselves. They have been able to express themselves.

He added that the footballers have had a "good" CHAN tournament and that among them, there are some players who have been noted for the World Cup; however, coach Keshi refused to mention the names.

Ghana would meet Libya, as Nigeria is set to fight for the third place with Zimbabwe's team on Saturday.