Ghana came from two goals down to beat Nigeria in the first leg of the final round qualifying game of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The first leg game ended 3-2 for Ghana at the Ohene Djan Stadium.

The turnaround by the local Black Stars handed Ghana an important lead ahead of Sunday's decisive clash in Calabar.

Milovan Rajevac, coach of Ghana did not pull any punches when he was asked to analyse why Ghana had fallen back twice before turning around the first leg tie.

The Serbian coach, rather looked at the positives of that game and says, Ghana are close to sealing one of the places at the debut tournament to be hosted by Ivory Coast next year.

Despite Nigeria drafting in eleven new players for tomorrow's clash, Milovan Rajevac is optimistic about his sides chances of qualifying for the African Nations Championship.

"We played well after going down 2-0. And I was happy with the character of my players.

"We have a good side and I am hopeful of beating Nigeria to qualify for the CHAN," said Ghana's coach after a training session in Accra.

The competition is for locally-based players only, Ivory Coast hosting the maiden competition from the 22nd February-8th March 2009 involving eight sides.