The Black Stars capped off a humiliating campaign in the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifier witha 2-1 loss to Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Ghana were hoping to finish the qualifying campaign with a win having gone four matches without one but in their path was a determined Niger side who had a slim chance of securing a spot in Morocco. Black Stars head coach Otto Addo made changes to his team which drew against Angola, Terry Yegbe, Isaac Afful and Nathaniel Adjei were handed debut call ups.
Ghana struggled in keeping up to the pace and possession game of Niger. Sumaila Badamasi head home the opener with a towering header in the 24th minute. Ghana’s search for rapid equalizer saw Ernest Nuamah deliver a cross after outpacing his opponent but Mohammed Kudus arrived late in the box to apply the finish.Terry Yegbe found the net two minutes later but his goal was ruled out for offside.
Back from recess, Ghana showed promise with substitutes giving the home side the needed impetus. Jerry Afriyie put Ghana level in the 67th minute with a neat finish following a cut back into the opposition’s box. Otto Addo stormed the pitch to hug goal scorer Jerry Afriyie.
Ghana pushed for the winner but Mohammed Kudus free kick came off the wood work in the 86th. Daniel Sosah chipped in the decisive goal with a header in stoppage time. Two minutes later, Ghana was presented an opportunity to score from 12 yards after Mohammed Kudus was brought down but the resultant spot kick was missed to the dismay of supporters. This resulted in wild celebrations from the away end.
The results meant Ghana finished buttom in group F with 3 points. Niger came 3rd with 7 points while Sudan and Angola secure spots at the 2025 Afcon with a poibt tally of 7 and 12 respectively.
Ghana’s football is at an all time low following back to back African Cup of Nations tournaments and a tumultuous 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Story by: Ebenezer Osei Kofi Bimpong.
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