Ghana Held to Frustrating Draw by Niger in 2025 AFCON Qualifiers

Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah
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Ghana Held to Frustrating Draw by Niger in 2025 AFCON Qualifiers
Scoresheet
Written By : Afua Amankwanowa


Ghana managed only a point against Niger in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, as the Black Stars were held to a draw by the underdogs in Morocco. Alidu Seidu gave Ghana the lead just before half-time, but Niger equalized through Oumar Sako and held firm defensively to secure a point. Coach Otto Addo made two changes to his starting lineup, dropping Jordan Ayew and Elisha Owusu to the bench in favor of Inaki Williams and Majeed Ashimeru.

After suffering a disappointing defeat to Angola in their opening qualifying game, their first loss at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in 24 years, Ghana were eager to bounce back. Lawrence Ati Zigi retained his spot in goal, with a backline of Seidu, Tariq Lamptey, Abdul Mumin, and Mohammed Salisu. In midfield, Thomas Partey was joined by Ashimeru, while Inaki Williams started alongside Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Mohammed Kudus in support of striker Antoine Semenyo.

Ghana came close to an early lead when Issahaku’s cross found Kudus just 20 seconds in, but the West Ham midfielder couldn't direct his header on target. The Black Stars lost momentum, allowing Niger to settle into the game, and Niger produced the first shot on target in the 16th minute through Hainikoye Soumana, whose curling effort was saved by Ati Zigi. Niger created a few chances on the counterattack but lacked precision in the final third.

Ghana's opener came in the 43rd minute when Seidu unleashed a stunning long-range strike. Despite starting the second half strongly, Ghana failed to create clear chances and were punished in the 81st minute when Sako scored after a goalmouth scramble. Late substitutions, including the introduction of Jordan Ayew and Brandon Thomas-Asante, made little difference as the match ended in a draw.

Ghana remain winless in Group F of the qualifiers and could fall five points behind Sudan, depending on the outcome of Sudan's match against Angola later in the day.

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