This is the first leg of the Ghana vs Nigeria 2022 World Cup playoff happening live at the Baba Yara sports stadium in Kumasi, Ghana.
On Friday, two African powerhouses, Ghana and Nigeria, faced off in the opening of their two-legged playoff game at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, kicking off the race for a berth in Qatar.
After failing to win any of the last four encounters between the two teams since 2006, the Super Eagles will enter the game hoping to gain a victory over their West African opponents and improve their qualification hopes.
The entire Baba Yara sports stadium has been sold out. Ghanaian fans have filled the streets and popular stands at Baba Yara sports stadium.
Ghana vs Nigeria Lineup
Ghana Lineup
Nigeria Lineup
2022 World Cup playoff: Ghana vs Nigeria
First Half (0-45 minutes)
Only less than 2 minutes into the game Ghanagets its first corner kick.
Just like most games players on both teams are kicking in slowly. 5 minutes into the game was a strong start.
After 10 mins Nigeria led possession with impressive forwards in the game.
At 17:00 Jordan Ayew gets a freekick for Ghana after Aina opposed. Jordan raised his hands apologetically after losing the ball in the freekick.
Jordan Ayew made an impressive shot on target halfway through the first half but it was saved by Okoye, Nigeria’s goalkeeper.
Mensah gave an interesting delivery with a long shot but lost the ball to a corner kick which was taken by Jordan Ayew.
A thunderous effort Issah Aku was saved by Nigeria goalkeeper. The tide shifted to Nigeria after 30 minutes of the game.
Closer to 40 minutes Nigeria managed to shoot back at Ghana.
Right in the penalty box Aribo kicks the ball but loses footing and misses his shot. Aribo made a move again by passing the ball to Simon who shoots. Wallacot saved the air ball.
The first half of the Ghana vs Nigeria 2022 World Cup playoff ends in a 0-0 scoreline without a breakout for both teams. 5 minutes was added.
Second Half (45-90 minutes)
Jordan Ayew swung the second corner of the second half after the first.
The second half of the game got even though as both teams reachh in shots at goal.
At 55 minutes, Moses Simon from Nigeria hits their first best shot on target but ends up being saved by Ghana’s goalkeeper Wallacot.
Nigeria got a free kick and flew the ball into Ghana’s post but lost possession.
Ghana proceeded at 65 minutes into Nigeria’s post but was flagged offline.
Ghana made its best chance at 70 minutes with a heavy shot on target but it ended up being saved.
In the heat of the game, Nigeria made its first changes. Nigeria almost won a penalty after Issaku caught a ball to hand. The penalty was canceled after the referee checked the VAR.
After a tense and tough game, the match ended in a draw Ghana vs Nigeria 0-0.