The Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying play-off match between Black Stars of Ghana and Super Eagles of Nigeria failed to produce a winner yesterday at Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi.
The battle will now shift to Abiola’s MKO Stadium, Abuja, where the winner should emerge on Tuesday.
Super Eagles led by coach Augustine Eguavoen failed to take advantage of scoring opportunities that came in yesterday’s meeting. For some Nigerians, the Eagles are to blame for the goalless situation. Nigeria is mostly second best as hosts, Ghana, dominated most of the games played at the very loud and packed Baba Yara Stadium. While the Black Stars had most of the ball, they failed to beat Francis Uzoho in goal for the Super Eagles despite some tense moments deep into the second half.
The Eagles had to wait until 37 minutes for their first real attempt on goal, a half chance from Victor Osimphen, who was handed a starting spot after missing the AFCON tournament at Cameroun.
In the 55th minute, Nigeria got another chance as Moses Simon hit the goal, but with the goalkeeper at his mercy, the Nantes man, who was then subdued with 18 minutes remaining to play, fired straight at the goalkeeper, who saved with his foot.
Penalties were awarded to the Super Eagles towards the end of the second half, when Idrissu Baba handled the ball in Ghanaian territory, but the referee changed his mind after watching the replay. He decided that Idrissu was violated in construction. Former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha said yesterday that the 0 – 0 draw at Kumasi is a huge advantage for the Super Eagles ahead of the second leg in Abuja on Tuesday.
SKJ