The Super Eagles of Ghana held Ghana to a goalless draw at the Baba Yara Stadium in the first leg of the 2022 World Cup qualifier on Friday, March 25.
The Black Stars started the first period of the game as the strongest side as they piled pressure on the Nigerian defence. However, the team couldn’t make the most of their early pressure.
The best chance of the opening half fell to Abdul Fatawu Issahaku whose shot from just outside the penalty box was saved by Francis Uzoho while the resulting corner kick was wasted by the Stars.
Prior to Issahaku’s opportunity, debutant Felix Afena-Gyan also saw his effort in the early half of the game go wide of the Nigerian post.
Victor Osimhen and Joe Aribo had the opportunity to open the scoring late in the half forcing Joojo Wollacott into action while Aribo’s strike went over the crossbar.
Ghana had the majority of the possession while Nigeria made more attempts at goal as both teams recorded a shot each on target.
After the recess, the Black Stars regained their momentum for the majority part of the game as they chased a goal.
Despite several attempts, Ghana failed to find the back of the net with a Mohammed Kudus strike being pushed away by the Nigerian shot-stopper.
In the 76th minute of the game, Nigeria felt they had an advantage after they were awarded a penalty with Baba Iddrisu’s hand being the culprit.
However, the video assistant referee came to the rescue of Ghana, spotting a foul on the Ghanaian defensive midfielder.
Ghana had other opportunities to make it count but all efforts were far from getting the winner for Otto Addo’s side as the game ended scoreless.
There is all to play for on Tuesday, March 29, at the Moshood Abiola Stadium when they face each other in the return leg.
Source: Ghana News
