We Are In To Clinch The Ultimate - Francois Zahoui

Niger coach Francois Zahoui has once again reiterated that his side is aiming to win the ongoing 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations.

Niger progressed into today's semifinals after finishing second in Group B, though their 2-1 loss to Benin on Tuesday night almost sent them crashing out.

The Menas finished level on four points with Senegal in a tie for second place, but they were ranked above the Teranga Lions on head-to-heads, having beaten them 2-1 in a group match last week.

The loss to Benin came in a calamitous match for Niger, who claimed an early lead before having two men sent off in the first half.

They looked on course to claim an unlikely draw despite the significant numerical disadvantage, but conceded a second goal in the dying minutes.

'We came with a plan and it worked to perfection, I thank the players for the will and character exhibited during the game, even with nine men they never gave up,' said Zahoui after the match.

'We lost our goalkeeper and also one player was red carded, but the objective was to move to the next stage and we are extremely excited that we have done that.'

Even the prospect of facing hosts and defending champions Ghana in the final four does not worry the Niger coach.

He added, 'We are here to win the tournament, that has been our ultimate goal since day one, so we will do everything possible to make sure we achieve our aim and for now we have to reach the final through Ghana.'

The Ghana v Niger match will be held at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium, kick-off at 18h00 local time.