Partey’s lone goal secures world cup ticket for Ghana against Nigeria
Thomas Partey’s 11th-minute goal was the difference as Ghana survived a scare from Nigeria to book a place in the World Cup finals in Qatar.
The Arsenal midfielder and deputy Ghana captain scored early in the half after receiving the ball from Gideon Mensah outside the box. He drilled a shot toward goal that eluded everyone including Francis Uzoho to open the scoring of the match. That was the first goal between the two sides in the playoff after the drew 0-0 in Kumasi on Friday.
Nigeria sprung to life and exerted immense pressure on the Black Stars and that resulted in a penalty after a lengthy VAR review. William Troost-Ekong, the skipper for the Super Eagles stepped up and sent Jojo Wollacott the wrong way to restore parity in the game.
The Super Eagles continued their dominance but a resilient Black Stars side would not be broken. Another VAR intervention was required and after minutes of review, the referee ruled the goal out for offside granting Ghana a big relief.
Ghana made three changes soon after the break with Jordan Ayew, Fatawu Issahaku and Baba Iddrisu coming off to be replaced by Elisha Owusu, Daniel Kofi Kyereh and Andy Yiadom respectively. The substitution meant a change in shape for the Black Stars with Denis Odoi switching to the left side for the defence to accommodate Yiadom at the right and Mensah moving to the centre to join Amartey and Djiku and a three-man defence.
Osman Bukari joined the action later in place of Kudus Mohammed and Kwasi Wriedt came in late to replace Felix Afena-Gyan as Ghana held on to secure the win despite immense pressure from the Super Eagles who brought on Odion Ighalo and Ahmed Musa in the latter stages to force a result in their favour.
