Milovan Rajevac, the Black Stars coach, is confident of a Ghana qualification to the finals of the first ever African Nations Championships after managing a slim lead against Nigeria with the return leg coming up in two weeks time.

The Serbian’s optimism is buoyed by the fact that Ghana staged a dramatic comeback to beat the Nigerians at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra on Sunday.

Nigeria, deservedly raced into a 2-0 lead before Ghana rallied back to win 3-2 in the first of two games that will determine which of the two sides qualify for the Championships in Ivory Coast reserved for home based players.

Very few sides can match the character that Ghana showed in the Sunday late kickoff match.

And that seems to up Milovan Rajevac’s confidence ahead of the return clash in Nigeria as he says: "The team showed great spirit in coming back to win which is a good sign," the Black Stars coach said in a post game interview.

"At a point we looked out but they battled hard in the second half and got what we deserved. Now we will have to go to Nigeria and show the same spirit. We have to play on the strength of the result and I am sure we will go through."

Musa Kabiru scored twice before the 44th minute to give the Nigerians a comfortable lead but Francis Coffie inspired Ghana’s comeback pulling a goal back before recess and equalising in the second half after which Samuel Inkoom grabbed the winner for the Black Stars.

Despite the comeback showing Ghana’s qualification credentials, Milovan Rajevac’s side still have a mammoth task ahead of them, with the Nigerians having scored two important goals, as the away goal rule would play a part in the second leg match in a fortnight which would be the decider for the sole ticket to the finals next February.

Ivory Coast will host the maiden competition from the 22nd February-8th March 2009 involving eight sides.

The Africa Nations Championships is a new tournament designed by Caf for only home-based players of its member countries.