VAR Helps Overturn Penalty Kick Call During Ghana Versus Nigeria Clash

• The Super Eagles of Nigeria were denied a penalty following a VAR check during their World Cup play-off against the Black Stars of Ghana
• The first leg of the World Cup play-offs between Ghana and Nigeria ended in a goalless draw at the Baba Yara stadium
• Nigeria will host the return fixture of the double-legged affair on Tuesday evening at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja

Video assistant referee (VAR) has made its first major impact during Ghana's World Cup qualifying game against Nigeria on Friday night.

The Super Eagles were awarded a penalty early in the second half when Baba Iddrisu touched the ball with his hands when he went on the ground.

But the decision was reversed after a check by VAR showed that Kelechi Iheanacho tripped the right leg of the Real Mallorca man.

The Moroccan referee Redouane Jiyed got an alert from the VAR officials, went and checked the replay, and a penalty was eventually not given.

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It's the first time the video review has been used on Ghana soil.

How Ghana And Nigeria Shared the Spoils

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.

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.

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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.

Ghanaians Praise Afena-Gyan After Impressive Black Stars Debut Against Nigeria

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Ghanaians were full of praise for AS Roma teenager Felix Afena-Gyan following his impressive performance against Nigeria on Friday.

The 19-year-old made his long-awaited debut for the Black Stars after he was given a starting role in the attack to help Ghana score and also give the Nigerian backline pressure.

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Ghana and Nigeria’s World Cup hopes remain in the balance after a tight first leg finished goalless in their playoff tie.