The upcoming match between Niger and Ghana in Port Elizabeth carries an underdog story for Niger, as they face the Black Stars, who are considered a football powerhouse. Gernot Rohr, the coach of Niger, acknowledges the difference in size between the two football nations, stating, “We are a small football country, and we are playing against a big country of football.”
Niger, despite being the red lantern of Group B, managed to secure a draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo in their previous match. Now, they aim for their first victory, even though they face a formidable opponent in Ghana. The determination within the team is evident, and players like Moussa Maazou express their desire for improvement and success.
Moussa Maazou, the captain of Mena, is particularly focused on scoring his first goal, and he can rely on the determination of his defense to contain Ghana’s attacking prowess, led by players like Asamoah Gyan. There’s a personal touch to the match for Dankwa Afful, who was born in Accra, Ghana, and now plays for Niger. He has expressed his commitment to doing everything to win against his country of birth.
On the other side, Ghana, leading the group with 4 points, must avoid defeat to secure their qualification. Coach James Kwesi Appiah anticipates a challenging match, noting that Niger’s tactical discipline is based on a physical style of play. With the absence of Mubarak Wakaso, Ghana expects a tough encounter but remains focused on maintaining their position in the tournament.
