Fans storm field as Ghana wins World Cup qualifier over Nigeria
Supporters in Nigeria broke onto the sphere on the last whistle as Ghana earned a spot at this yr’s FIFA World Cup following a 1-1 draw with the Tremendous Eagles.
After a goalless draw within the first leg, Thomas Partey’s away purpose in Wednesday’s recreation was sufficient to see Ghana attain Qatar 2022 — the primary African nation to take action.
Partey’s pushed shot within the tenth minute discovered its manner beneath Nigerian goalkeeper Francis Uzoho to present the Black Stars the lead within the tie.
William Troost-Ekong leveled from the penalty spot after Ademola Lookman was introduced down by Denis Odoi within the field later within the first half, however Nigeria could not produce the profitable purpose wanted to earn World Cup qualification.
And after the ultimate whistle, followers on the Moshood Abiola Nationwide Stadium in Abuja vented their frustration by breaking onto the pitch.
In keeping with Reuters, followers threw objects at Ghana’s supporters and gamers, who needed to battle to the tunnel to depart the pitch.
Police intervened by beating rioters with batons and spraying tear fuel, Reuters reported.
CNN has contacted FIFA and CAF, the governing physique of African soccer, in relation to the gang hassle however has not acquired a response.
It is solely the second time since 1994 that Nigeria has didn’t qualify for the World Cup having missed out on the 2006 event in Germany.
It additionally follows a disappointing African Cup of Nations marketing campaign in January that noticed the Tremendous Eagles knocked out within the spherical of 16 by Tunisia.
Ghana, in the meantime, will return to the World Cup, which will get underway on November 21, having didn’t qualify for the final event in Russia 4 years in the past.
FIFA additionally confirmed to CNN that Dr. Joseph Kabungo, a Zambian CAF/FIFA medical officer who was on obligation for the sport in Abuja, had handed away from sudden cardiac dying.
“FIFA wish to cross its deepest condolences to his household and family members in addition to to the Zambian soccer group,” mentioned a press release.
The Zambian Soccer Affiliation (FAZ) additionally paid tribute to Dr. Kabungo on social media, calling him “a devoted and broadly cherished member of our soccer group.”
The assertion added: “His impression was huge, having additionally been a part of [Zambia’s] 2012 AFCON profitable crew. His dying is a large loss as Dr Kabungo was a buddy and confidant to many generations of gamers and their households.”