Niger secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ghana in their final Group F match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at Accra Sports Stadium on Monday. Despite the win, the Menas failed to progress to the tournament in Morocco, finishing third in the group.
Niger began the match with intent, and their persistence paid off in the 22nd minute.
A well-delivered corner by Rahim Alhassane found Ousseini Badamassi, who rose highest to head the ball into the net, putting the visitors ahead.
The goal left Ghana scrambling for an equalizer, but their attempts were thwarted by Niger’s disciplined defense.
Mohammed Kudus had the best chance for the Black Stars in the first half, but his shot from close range was blocked, leaving the scoreline 1-0 in favor of Niger at the break.
Ghana emerged from halftime with renewed energy, pushing forward in search of an equalizer.
The breakthrough came in the 67th minute, thanks to a substitution by coach Otto Addo.
Jerry Afriyie, who replaced Ransford Königsdörffer, latched onto a low cross from Ernest Nuamah and fired home, leveling the score at 1-1.
With momentum shifting, both teams sought a decisive goal as the game entered its final stages.
Ghana, spurred on by the home crowd, piled on the pressure, but Niger remained resolute in defense while seeking opportunities on the counterattack.
In stoppage time, Niger delivered a crushing blow.
Oumar Sako capitalized on a lapse in Ghana’s defense, outpacing his marker to slot the ball past goalkeeper Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, restoring Niger’s lead at 2-1.
Ghana was handed a lifeline moments later when Kudus was fouled in the penalty area, earning the hosts a spot-kick.
However, Kudus’s attempt was denied by Mahamadou Tandja, whose crucial save preserved Niger’s advantage.
The Menas held on to claim a hard-fought victory.
Despite the win, Niger’s AFCON dreams were dashed, as their third-place finish in Group F was insufficient to secure qualification.
Ghana, meanwhile, ended their campaign at the bottom of the standings without a single victory.
The defeat compounds a disappointing qualifying run for the Black Stars, marking a low point in their footballing history.
Meanwhile, Niger will take pride in their spirited performance, even as they reflect on what might have been.
