AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: Black Stars End Campaign In Shame With Home Defeat To Niger | Football/Soccer

Ghana concluded their dismal 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on Monday with a 2-1 loss to Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The defeat cemented the Black Stars’ position at the bottom of Group F, marking a historic low in Ghana’s football history as they failed to secure a single win in the six-match series.

Head coach Otto Addo made several changes to the lineup, offering debuts to Isaac Afful, Nathaniel Adjei, and Terry Yegbe.

Razak Simpson retained his spot in the starting XI, while Medeama SC fullback Kamaradini Mamudu earned his first international cap as a second-half substitute.

Ghana U20 star Jerry Afriyie and Heart of Lions captain Ebenezer Abban also made their senior team debuts during the match.

Niger opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when TP Mazembe midfielder Ousseini Badamassi capitalized on a corner kick to head the ball into the net.

Ghana leveled in the 67th minute through debutant Afriyie, who expertly converted a cross from Ernest Nuamah.

Despite Mohammed Kudus coming close with a free kick that struck the woodwork, Niger regained the lead in stoppage time when defender Oumar Sako scored from a free-kick delivery.

Ghana had a late opportunity to equalize with a penalty, but Kudus’ effort was saved by goalkeeper Mahamadou Tanja, sealing their fate.