By Tilda Acorlor
The Senior Men’s national team, the Black Star of Ghana has booked a place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar after a 1-1 draw with the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria.
Captain Thomas Partey found the back of the net early in the 10th minute to put Ghana ahead before Watford’s William Trost-Ekong leveled from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after Ademola Lookman was fouled.
Nigeria‘s Victor Osimhen went past Goalkeeper, Jojo Wollacott and slotted in a goal in the 36th minute but the goal was disallowed for an offside following a video assistant referee review.
After recess, Coach Otto Addo came through with three strategic changes by bringing on Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Andy Yiadom and Elisha Owusu for Jordan Ayew, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Baba Iddrisu.
Ghana defended firmly and brought in Osman Bukari for Mohammed Kudus and Kwasi Okyere Wriedt for Afena Gyan in the 73rd and 89th minutes respectively to see out the rest of the game.
The 1-1 draw at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja means Ghana sealed her qualification on the away goal rule.
This is the Black Stars’ fourth appearance at the biggest football showpiece after they denied the Nigerians their 7th in front of their home fans.
Ghana had missed out on the 2018 edition while Nigeria made its 6th appearance in Russia.
Some frustrated Nigerian fans who could not bear the pain of seeing their country missing out on the World Cup in Qatar resorted to chaos and destroyed some equipment at the stadium.
It took the country’s police, which fired tear gas to stop the crowd violence.
