Niger beat Lesotho 2-1 in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener

Niger began their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Lesotho, with D. Sosah and O. Sako scoring in the first half in Match Round 1.

Niger

• A. Camara
• O. Sako
• R. Alhassane
• A. Muhammad
• K. Amoustapha
• O. Badamassi
• D. Sosah

Lesotho

• T. Makhele
• Neo Mokhachane

Substitutions:

Niger

• A. Muhammad (A. Sabo, 78)
• K. Amoustapha (N. Yakubu, 90)
• A. Camara (M. Amadou Sabo, 90)
• O. Badamassi

Lesotho

• Neo Mokhachane

Ball possession:

Sosah opened the scoring in the 38th minute before Sako doubled Niger’s advantage shortly before the break, scoring in the 45th minute.

Passes:

Lesotho improved after half-time and pulled a goal back, but Niger held on to secure three important points from their opening qualifier.

Defense:

The result gives Niger an early advantage in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group, while Lesotho must respond in their next match after a difficult first outing.

Face-to-face:

Sosah and Sako put Niger in control

Niger made the decisive impact during a productive first half.

Fouls:

• Yellow cards:
• T. Makhele (Lesotho) at 58 minute

Penalties in a match:

• Sera Motebang (Lesotho) at 85 minute

The last five games (including this match):

• Niger – W
• Lesotho – LW

Top 5 Africa Cup of Nations – Qualification scorers:

1. D. Sosah (1, Lesotho)
2. Franculino Djú (1, Guinea-Bissau)
3. Mama Baldé (1, Guinea-Bissau)
4. None (1, Mauritius)
5. O. Sako (1, Lesotho)

Line-ups:

Next games:

• Niger will play with Gabon. September 29 at 19:00 (GMT), on Stade de Franceville.
• Lesotho will play with Morocco. September 29 at 13:00 (GMT), on None.