Ghana’s national football team is preparing to take on Niger in a must-win encounter in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, but they will have to do so without two key players. The Black Stars arrived in Morocco on Saturday, determined to bounce back after a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Angola in their opening match.
The squad, however, has been reduced to 22 players following the withdrawal of Istanbul Basaksehir defender Jerome Opoku due to injury.
Adding to the team’s woes, Los Angeles Galaxy winger Joseph Paintsil remained in Accra to resolve passport issues, leaving head coach Otto Addo with a depleted roster as they gear up for their second outing.
Ghana’s loss to Angola came as a bitter blow, especially given the Black Stars’ dominance throughout much of the match. Despite controlling the tempo and creating numerous chances, the team was undone by a late defensive lapse.
Angolan substitute Felicio Milson pounced on the mistake, scoring in the dying minutes to secure a narrow victory for the visitors.
The defeat has left Ghana in a precarious position in Group E, making the upcoming fixture against Niger crucial for their qualification hopes.
Coach Otto Addo and his staff have had little time to regroup, but the focus is now firmly on the match against Niger.
With the absence of Opoku and Paintsil, the coach will have to make strategic adjustments to ensure the team’s resilience and effectiveness on the pitch.
Ghana’s players are acutely aware of the stakes. A second consecutive loss would severely damage their chances of advancing to the AFCON 2025 tournament.
The pressure is on the Black Stars to secure a positive result and keep their qualification hopes alive.
Despite the setbacks, the team remains optimistic about their chances, banking on the experience and talent of the remaining squad members.
In the lead-up to Monday’s match, Ghana’s training sessions have been intense, with a clear focus on rectifying the defensive errors that cost them dearly against Angola.
The team has also worked on improving their finishing, a critical area that let them down in the previous game.
The absence of key players may force Otto Addo to shuffle his lineup, potentially offering opportunities for other squad members to step up and make an impact.
Niger, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on Ghana’s vulnerabilities. Although not traditionally one of Africa’s football powerhouses, Niger has shown resilience in their matches and will pose a serious threat if Ghana fails to bring their A-game.
The Black Stars cannot afford to underestimate their opponents, especially given the unpredictable nature of football in the AFCON qualifiers.
As the match approaches, the mood in the Ghanaian camp is one of cautious determination.
The players know that their AFCON journey could hinge on the outcome of this game.
A win would not only boost their standings in Group E but also restore confidence and momentum as they navigate the rest of the qualifying campaign.
Ghana’s supporters will be hoping for a spirited performance from their team, one that reflects the rich footballing tradition of the Black Stars.
With their backs against the wall, the players will need to draw on all their experience and skill to ensure that they come away from Morocco with the points they desperately need.
