2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers: Niger scores late to defeat Ghana 2-1 in Accra

Niger delivered a determined performance on Monday evening, securing a 2-1 victory over Ghana in their final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Black Stars entered the match with high hopes of securing a win to end the qualifiers on a good note.

However, despite their best efforts, Ghana fell to their third defeat in the qualification series, ending their hopes of qualifying for next year’s continental competition.

The match got off to a challenging start for Ghana when Niger’s Ousseini Badamassi scored in the 26th minute with a powerful header from a corner kick, giving the visitors an early lead.

Undeterred, the Black Stars ramped up their intensity in search of an equaliser. Their persistence paid off when young talent Jerry Afriyie was introduced in the 58th minute. Just ten minutes later, Afriyie made his mark, scoring a well-taken goal to draw Ghana level.

Although Ghana dominated possession following the equaliser, they struggled to create clear-cut chances. Their hopes of securing a victory were dashed in the final moments of the game when Niger’s Oumar Sako found the back of the net in injury time, putting his side ahead 2-1.

In the dying seconds, Ghana had a chance to salvage a point after being awarded a penalty. Mohammed Kudus stepped up, but his effort was saved by Niger’s goalkeeper, sealing Ghana’s defeat.

As a result, Ghana finished at the bottom of Group F in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers and will miss out on next year’s tournament in Morocco.