It was a scrappy affair in Kumasi as Ghana hosted Nigeria in the first leg of the World Cup qualifier. The hosts started strong, looking to test the Nigeria backline with long balls over the top.
The visitors took a while to get into the game. While the Nigerian defenders withstood the Ghanaian attacks, they struggle to hold the ball up the pitch, and their attempts at pressing made it easier for Ghana to get the ball forward.
They grew into the first half though, and began to get the ball into the final third with regularly. It was a half of two halves, with Nigeria enjoying the better of the latter stages. In truth though, neither goalkeeper was overworked, and that continued to be the case in the second half. Ghana started aggressively once again but, once they withstood the initial attempts, Nigeria continued to grow into proceedings.
It always felt like a game that might end without a goal, and in truth any sight at goal was as likely to come from a mistake, or a piece of individual quality, as it was from the organised possession of either side. With a second leg to play, it remained cagey throughout, and both sides will head to Nigeria knowing that a win on the day will see them through.
As expected in a fully-packed Baba Yara Sports Stadium, the Black Stars made an aggressive start to the encounter but the Super Eagles were solid to resist the hosts’ attacking threats.
In the absence of suspended Andre Ayew, Roma youngster Felix Ohene-Gyan led Ghana’s attack while Lorient’s Innocent Bonke joined Joe Aribo in Nigeria’s midfield and Leon Balogun formed a partnership with William Troost-Ekong at the centre of the defence.
Nigeria grew into the game and enjoyed a bright spell just before the break. Kelechi Iheanacho very nearly got on the end of a cross at the back post, before Victor Osimhen sent a tame volley at goal that was comfortably saved.
The first 45 minutes ended with the Black Stars recording more shots and set-pieces but they lacked the cutting edge to go ahead.
10 minutes after the restart, Simon delivered the Super Eagles’ brightest chance after finding space on the left flank but his effort could not beat goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott. In the 59th minute, Eguavoen made some tactical changes with Joe Aribo and Simon replaced by Brentford’s Frank Onyeka and Watford’s Emmanuel Dennis respectively.
Nigeria were forced to make another substitution after Bonke was stretchered off in the 61st minute which made way for Oghenekaro Etebo to come into action.
Ghana once again had a chance to break the deadlock in the 71st minute after Kudus burst through on goal from the right, but his shot was saved by Uzoho for a corner-kick.
It was a dramatic final 15 minutes as the referee awarded Nigeria a penalty for a handball in the 18-yard box but it was overturned after a VAR review for Ghana’s free-kick. Disappointed by the decision, Etebo protested to the referee and he was shown a yellow card.
Ghana were playing their first game under new coach Otto Addo, as changes were made following a dismal Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
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.
Both teams will turn their attention to the return fixture in Abuja which would determine their fate to qualify for the global showpiece in Qatar. The Super Eagles are aiming to make their seventh World Cup appearance in Qatar while Ghana have only featured in three editions of the tournament (2006, 2010, 2014).