Ghana Black Stars played by far, a much-improved football as their game against Nigeria ended in a 0-0 stalemate in the first leg of the 2022 World Cup play-off at the Baba Yara Sports stadium in Kumasi.
There were few chances in the game but the atmosphere made the contest more exciting and exhilarating as Ghana returned to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium only for the first time since 2014 and looked poised for a win in the 1st leg but the Black Stars couldn’t take their chances in front of a partisan crowd.
The closely-matched contest between two of the exciting football nations in the continent failed to produce goals as both technical benches played to a well-rehearsed pattern.
Felix Afena Ohene-Gyan was twice denied by Francis Uzoho before thwarting lively duo Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and, with a stunning stop, Mohammed Kudus.
Late on, Nigeria forward Moses Simon was rebuffed twice by Ghana goalkeeper Joseph Wolacott as the teams met in a World Cup clash for the first time since 2001.
Nigeria later had two chances in quick succession as Joe Aribo had a fine chance to give the Super Eagles the lead, as Victor Osimhen also fluffed his lines.
Nigeria thought they had earned a penalty in the 75th minute after Idrissu Baba handled the ball in the box but the referee overturned his initial verdict after consulting the VAR.
The game wore on as the contest ended goalless at the Baba Yara Sports stadium.
The reverse fixture will take place at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Tuesday. March 29, 2022. The outcome of the tie will decide which of the rivals goes to Qatar.
