Ghana’s aspirations for a successful 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign encountered yet another setback on Monday, September 9, 2024, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Niger Republic in their second Group F qualifier.
The encounter, hosted at the Stade Municipal de Berkane in Morocco, saw the Black Stars struggle to find their footing, eventually having to settle for a point against their resolute opponents.
The match began cautiously, with both teams showing restraint. Niger was the first to threaten, with Boubacar Hainikoye unleashing a powerful shot from distance that forced a fine save from Ghanaian goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi in the 17th minute.
Despite Niger’s early pressure, it was Ghana who took the lead just before halftime. A strike from Alidu Seidu outside the penalty area took a fortunate deflection, wrong-footing the Niger goalkeeper and nestling in the back of the net.
In the second half, Ghana created several chances to extend their advantage but failed to convert. Notably, Mohammed Kudus and Inaki Williams saw their efforts thwarted by Niger’s impressive goalkeeper, Abiboulaye Hainikoye.
Niger, undeterred, remained persistent in their quest for an equalizer, and their efforts bore fruit in the 81st minute when Oumar Sako headed in from a corner. The goal followed a scramble in the box and left Ghana deflated, having missed an opportunity to secure all three points.
With just one point from two matches, Ghana’s qualification hopes for the 2025 AFCON are now precariously balanced. They will face Sudan in October, a match where a marked improvement will be required if they are to keep their chances of reaching the tournament in Morocco alive.
