Exciting Ghana Hold Lackluster Nigeria to a Goalless Draw in First Leg of World Cup Play Off

• The first leg of the World Cup play-offs between Ghana and Nigeria ended in a goalless draw at the Baba Yara stadium
• Both sides had a chance to break the deadlock but good goalkeeping from Francis Uzoho and Jojo Wallocott kept the game barren
• The Black Stars will travel to Abuja in four days time for the second leg of the tie with the winner qualify for the World Cup

Ghana and Nigeria will have another 90 minutes to decide which team qualifies for the World Cup after a pulsating goalless draw in the first leg of the play-offs in Kumasi.

Nigeria gave Ghana a scare when the referee whistled for penalty in the second half only for VAR to reverse the decision.

Ghana got off to a good start and nearly took the lead when teenager Abdul Fatawu Issahaku pulled a great save from Nigeria goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.

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Before his effort, Felix Afena-Gyan had tried to unlock the Super Eagles defence but brilliant defending from Trost Ekong and Leon Balugon kept the AS Roma teenager at bay.

Victor Osimhen and Joe Aribo came close in the dying moments of the first half but the Napoli star's effort was feeble with Aribo selfishly firing wide.

After the break, Moses Simon had Wollacott to beat but his effort was parried away before Thomas Partey saw his deflected shot on the other side go wide.

Mohammed Kudus weaved his way into the box before firing but Uzoho was there to make a save and minutes later Nigeria thought they had won a penalty only for VAR to reverse the decision.

Second half substitute Osman Bukari opened up the Nigeria defence on for his cut back pass to find no one.

Ghana will travel to Abuja in four days time for the second leg.

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Asamoah Gyan sends inspiring message to Black Stars

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Asamoah Gyan has urged the Ghanaian national team to play like wounded lions when they square up against the Super Eagles on Friday, March 25.

The Black Stars are set to host Nigeria for the first leg of the World Cup play-offs double-header at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

According to a report via Complete Sports, Asamoah Gyan charged the Black Stars to make history by qualifying for the World Cup at the expense of Nigeria.