Ghana’s Black Stars were held to a 0-0 draw by Nigeria at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi in the first leg of the 2022 World Cup play off. Despite dominating the game, the Black Stars failed to take their chances and were let down by poor set-play throughout the game. New Ghana boss, Otto Addo handed international debuts to forward, Felix Afena-Gyan and right-back Denis Odoi, while Joe Wollacott kept his place in goal despite the return of Richard Ofori. These decisions seemed to have worked, as the Black Stars started the first half with great intensity. Nigeria came into the game and were almost through on goal when midfielder Sanusi’s cross just missed Victor Oshimen in the box. The Super Eagles got their first shot on target in the 40th minute when Oshimen’s weak effort was comfortably held by Joe Wollacott.
The second half started almost the same way as the first, but a string of early set-pieces was dealt with quite comfortably by the Super Eagles. With Nigeria seemingly taking control of the game in the second half, the Black Stars almost took the lead when Thomas Partey had a shot deflected over the bar after a through pass from Jordan Ayew. Stars midfielder Kudus Mohammed went close to breaking the deadlock with a superb run on the right, but his effort was pushed round the post by the keeper. Ghanaian hearts sank in the 76th minute when the referee pointed to the penalty spot after the ball struck Iddrisu Baba’s hand in the penalty area. However, the official reversed his decision after a VAR review, which showed that Baba was fouled in the build-up, prompting screams of joy and relief from the largely Ghanaian crowd. The two teams will face off again in Abuja on Tuesday, with the winning team on aggregate going to the World Cup in Qatar. Ghana must win the return encounter at all cost to book a place at the Mundial later this year. Should the game end in a stalemate, penalties will be the decider. Opinions were however divided after the match.
Many Ghanaians were satisfied with the performance of the stars, but the lack of goals to cushion Ghana ahead of the return encounter. Some conceded that the team exceeded their expectations with their display which left little room for their Nigerian counterparts to operate.
Reports from Kumasi indicate that Jordan Ayew was booed by the home fans after the match. In the other playoffs, D.R. Congo drew one all with Morocco.
Cameroonn lost by a lone goal to Algeria at home. Tunisia also went away to pip Mali by a goal to nil while Egypt managed a one nil win over Senegal in Cairo.
