Nigeria played Ghana to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the FIFA World Cup Qualifier on Friday night in Kumasi, Ghana. ayokinews.com reports
The Black Stars held a better ground against the Super Eagles in the first few minutes of the match played at the 40,000 Baba Yara stadium.
In the 15 minutes, Leon Balogun made an outstanding challenge to deny a Ghanaian forward a one-on-one opportunity.
The 21st minute of action, had Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi sent in a dangerous cross from the left wing that eluded Victor Osimhen.
The Otto Addo side almost worked the ball into the net, with the dangerous Abdul Fatawu Issahaku forcing Eagle’s goalkeeper Francis Uzoho into a great save.
Osimhen had a shot on goal as well, sending William Troost-Ekong’s cross towards the goal, but his effort was poor.
The first half of the match ended in a 0-0 draw in Kumasi.
Moses Simon had a wonderful chance to put the Super Eagles ahead early in the second half, but his effort was saved following a brilliant pass from Kelechi Iheanacho.
As the Super Eagles resumed their hunt for the opener, coach Austin Eguavoen gave debuts to Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey.
The referee gave the Super Eagles a penalty kick 14 minutes from time after Daniel Amartey mishandled the ball in the box 18.
The decision was overturned after a VAR review.
On Tuesday, the return second leg match will be held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria.
The qualifier of the tie will be awarded one of five tickets allocated to Africa for the 2022 World Cup tournament in Qatar.
