Ghana and Nigeria played out a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their World Cup playoff in Kumasi, leaving the tie wide open when they meet again in Abuja on Tuesday to decide a place in Qatar.
Home side Ghana had more of the possession but only twice did they test goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, who made a stop from a stinging shot by Issahaku Fatawu and then again late on from Mohammed Kudus.
Nigeria’s best chance came through Moses Simon ten minutes into the second half, but he fired straight at the goalkeeper from ten-yards out.
The Super Eagles were awarded a penalty with 15 minutes left when Idrissu Baba Mohamed handled the ball after being tripped in his own penalty area, but after a VAR check the referee overturned his decision after deciding that the Ghana man had been fouled.
Ghana were playing their first game under new coach Otto Addo, as changes were made following a dismal Africa Cup of Nationscampaign.
Leicester’s Ademola Lookman, who had previously played for England at under-21 level, made his Nigeria debut as a substitute for the last 15 minutes.
So both teams are one victory away from the Qatar World Cup.
Nigeria have missed one tournament since 1990 – they’ll have home comforts in Abuja for the second leg to ensure that they do not miss out later this year.
Elsewhere tonight, an own goal from Saliou Ciss in the fourth minute gave Egypt a 1-0 win over Senegal.
The Africa Cup of Nations champions will have home advantage in the second leg though – that tie still very much in the balance.
These final few places at the 2022 World Cup are going down to the wire!
(Evening Standard)
