The Black Stars of Ghana sealed their fourth FIFA World Cup qualification after a hard-fought 1-1 draw encounter with the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Moshood Abiola Sports Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria, yesterday.
It was a second leg play-off between the two West African neighbours. The first leg in Ghana ended on a stalemate.
After an early Nigeria pressure, Ghana created the first scare when they countered with Kudus Mohammed beating his marker but the final pass to Jordan Ayew was intercepted in the fourth minute.
Cheered by a buoyant crowd, the Super Eagles threatened the Ghanaian territory with Victor Osimhen and Emmanuel Dennis leading the onslaught.
But Ghana captain, Thomas Partey silenced the over 60,000 fans packed in the stadium when he fired a thunderbolt through the hands of goalkeeper Uzoho to give the Stars stunning opener on the 11th minute.
The stadium plunged into petrified silence as the ball rolled through the keeper’s hands for the goal.
But the Nigerians did not give up; they carried the game to the Ghanaians who massed up in defence but their unguarded clearances only helped to build the pressure on the Ghana defence.
Within that period, the Stars required magical saves from Joseph Wollacot to survive the repeated rallies from the Super Eagles until play was stopped in the 22nd minute to review an incident that had escaped the referee.
After a VAR check, the referee adjudged Ademola Lookman to have been fouled by Denis Odoi, leading to the award of a penalty which was converted by Ekong for the equalizer.
Ghana survived a 34th minute scare when Osimhen was put through the Ghana defence, racing past Daniel Amartey and Alexander Djiku to plant the ball in Ghana’s post for what sent the stadium into ruptures but VAR intervened, and after a long check, ruled out what was an obvious infringement.
Coach Otto Addo reshuffled the pack in the second half, bringing on Elisha Owusu, Daniel Kofi Kyere and Andy Yiadom for Baba Iddrisu, Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatau Ishahaku as the Stars resorted to what looked a three-man defence.
That allowed the Stars to put men on the Nigerian defenders as Ghana won the first corner of the half.
The Nigerians responded with the introduction of danger men Moses Simon for Ademola Lookman on the 61st minute as the Super Eagles assumed control of the game.
But as they failed to break the Stars defence, Augustine Eguavoen brought on more attackers – Odion Ighalo and Ahmed Musah to find the all-important goal to snatch the World Cup slot.
The Black Stars, however, stayed resolute, even in the face of some harsh decisions from the referee, and defended the additional five minutes gallantly to book their ticket for Qatar.
BY ANDREW NORTEY