2025 AFCON Qualifiers: Niger thrash Sudan to hand Ghana a lifeline ahead of Angola clash

Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco have been revived after Niger’s commanding 4-0 victory over Sudan at the Stade de Kégé in Lomé on Thursday afternoon.

Niger took an early lead in the 6th minute, with Daniel Sosah, a player for Ukraine’s Kryvbas, opening the scoring. Youssef Oumarou extended their advantage before Sosah added a second from the penalty spot to make it 3-0.

The Falcons of Jediane were left reeling, and although coach Kwesi Appiah attempted to inspire a second-half comeback, Niger sealed their dominance when Ousseini Badamassi netted a fourth goal.

With the win, Niger climbed to third place in Group F with four points from five matches, trailing Angola (12 points) and Sudan (7 points).

Ghana will be relieved by the result, as a Sudan victory would have officially ended their qualification hopes.

Currently, at the bottom of the group, Ghana can move to third place with a win over Angola in their next match. A victory would give them five points, just two behind Sudan and one ahead of Niger.

To secure qualification, Otto Addo's side will need to beat Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, November 18, 2024, and hope Sudan is defeated by Angola.

Should these results unfold, the Black Stars will leapfrog Sudan and claim the final qualification spot from Group F.