Following Nigeria’s barren draw against Ghana in the first leg of their Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff on Friday, ex-Nigeria international, Daniel Amokachi, has called on sanctions on Ghana for organisational lapses.
Almost 70,000 fans were packed into the Kumasi-based Baba Yara Stadium to see the game, as the commentator indicated. The 40,000-capacity stadium was a late alternative after the initial match venue, the Cape Coast Stadium, could not be restored to FIFA standards in time for the playoffs.
Speaking about the danger of overcrowded grounds, Amokachi said in his post-match remarks: “I think FIFA has to take action against Ghana. Just for how unsafe it was out there,” before adding “COVID-19 precautions were not followed.”
However, in the action on the pitch itself, there was not much to criticise except the overturning of the penalty decision after a VAR review, which is nitpicking. The Super Eagles were caged in attack, dominated in the middle of the park, with Thomas Partey pulling the strings, and kept in the game by their defense and goalkeeper.
When the Augustine Eguavoen-led team meets the Ghanaians in the reverse fixture in Abuja on Tuesday, they will have the opportunity to fix their lapses, soar over the Black Stars, and reserve their spot in the World Cup.
