Ghana Aims for Victory Over Niger to Conclude AFCON Qualification Campaign

Ghana will battle Niger in their last Group F match for AFCON 2025 qualification, seeking to end a disappointing campaign. Ghana, winless in five matches, aims for victory to redeem their standing, while Niger, fresh off a 4-0 win, seeks qualification with a win. Key players are injured for Ghana, and both teams have a historic rivalry with Ghana leading in head-to-head matches.

Ghana is set to face Niger in their final Group F match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, with kickoff scheduled for 6:00 PM CAT. The Black Stars are coming off a disappointing streak, having not won in their last five matches, which included three draws and two defeats. This form has seen them languish in fourth position in their group, with only three points from five matches, leaving them searching for a victory to conclude a tough campaign. In contrast, Niger enters this match on a high after a significant 4-0 victory over Sudan, which has invigorated their hopes of qualification. If Niger wins against Ghana and Angola defeats Sudan, they will secure a spot in the AFCON finals. In terms of team news, Ghana will be without captain Jordan Ayew along with teammates Gideon Mensah, Alidu Seidu, and Fatawu Issahaku due to injuries. These players will be replaced in the squad by Kamaradini Mamudu, Jerry Afriyie, and Ebenezer Abban as Coach Otto Addo seeks to revitalize the team’s chances. Coach Addo reflected on the importance of winning home games, stating, “In these tournaments you have to win your home games; that is very important, and if you do not win, it is always difficult to play away.” Niger’s head coach Ezzaki Badou acknowledged Ghana’s historic team strength but expressed concern regarding their recent performances, noting, “They have big players, a big team… but they are not strong in attack and defense. They concede many goals.” The historical encounters between Ghana and Niger show a favorable record for the Black Stars, with 11 wins from 15 matches played, although their most recent meeting resulted in a 1-1 draw. As Ghana looks to conclude their campaign positively against a resurgent Niger side, the stakes are high for both teams with qualification implications on the line.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign has seen Ghana struggle, placing them at risk of failing to qualify for a major tournament for the second consecutive time. Their recent form has been characterized by inconsistency and the inability to secure victories, especially in crucial matches. Conversely, Niger has shown resilience in their recent performance, which adds intrigue to the upcoming encounter. Both teams come into this match with much to prove, highlighting the competitive nature of African football.

In summary, Ghana’s clash with Niger represents a significant opportunity for both teams as they seek to secure a positive end to their qualification campaign. Although Ghana aims to overcome their recent difficulties, Niger approaches the match buoyed by their recent success. The match will not only determine the outcome of the respective teams’ campaigns but will also serve as a testament to the evolving dynamics of African football. The historical rivalry adds another layer of intensity to this important encounter.

Original Source: supersport.com