Otto Addo’s first game in charge of the Black Stars of Ghana ended in a cagey 0-0 draw against Nigeria in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Friday night.
The game saw the likes of AS Roma youngster, Felix Afena Gyan and Club Brugge defender, Denis Odoi make their debuts for Ghana.
It was a supercharged atmosphere at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium as the Black Stars made their return to Kumasi for the first time in five years.
Swindon town goalkeeper, Joseph Wollacott kept his place in goal despite the return of deputy captain, Richard Ofori.
Black Stars central defensive pair, Daniel Amartey, were immense on the night, keeping Nigeria’s superstar forward Victor Osimhen quiet.
The match saw the Video Assistant Referee technology used for the first time in Ghana.
Nigeria thought they had won a penalty in the 76th minute when the referee pointed to the spot after the ball had struck the hand of Iddrisu Baba.
However, the official reversed his decision after a VAR review, which showed that Baba had been fouled in the build-up, prompting screams of joy and relief from the largely Ghanaian crowd.
Otto Addo and his technical team will have a lot of thinking to do as Ghana fight for a slot in the 2022 FIFA World Cup when the team play Nigeria in the final leg of the qualifying series in Abuja on Tuesday.
After the game, both sides showed appreciation to their fans who filled the stadium to the rafters and also showed sportsmanship, as they interacted after a keenly contested game at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
