Ghana aims to end their disappointing Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign with a win over Niger, who recently improved their prospects with a strong victory over Sudan. Ghana currently stands fourth in Group F, while Niger ranks third, requiring a win to qualify for the AFCON finals. Key Ghanaian players are sidelined due to injuries, prompting squad changes ahead of the match.
Ghana is eager to conclude their disappointing campaign in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification with a victory against Niger on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium, starting at 6:00 PM CAT. The Black Stars have had a challenging run, remaining winless in their last five matches, which has resulted in their current standing at fourth in Group F with only three points from five games. They have drawn three times and suffered two defeats, and a win is essential to salvage pride by finishing on a high note. In contrast, Niger enters this match with newfound confidence after a resounding 4-0 triumph over Sudan, effectively breaking a four-match winless streak. Positioned third in the group, Niger can secure their AFCON qualification with a victory over Ghana, contingent upon the outcome of the concurrent match where Angola faces Sudan. Notably, Ghana will be without key players, including new captain Jordan Ayew and several others, who are unable to compete due to injuries. Coach Otto Addo has introduced fresh faces to the squad, replacing the injured players with Kamaradini Mamudu, Jerry Afriyie, and Ebenezer Abban, in hopes of reversing the team’s fortunes. Both coaches have offered insights into their respective teams’ recent performances. Coach Otto Addo emphasized the importance of winning at home, reflecting on a past match where they were bested by Angola despite creating several opportunities. On the other hand, Niger’s head coach Ezzaki Badou noted the challenges faced by Ghana’s current lineup, highlighting a perceived decline from their historic strength while expressing optimism about his team’s prospects against the Black Stars. In their previous encounter in September, the teams shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw.
The match between Ghana and Niger is significant within the context of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign. Ghana, having historically performed well on the continental stage, is seeking to re-establish its prowess amid a series of disappointing results. Conversely, Niger aims to capitalize on their recent victory to improve their chances of advancing to the AFCON finals. Understanding both teams’ current situations provides insight into the stakes and dynamics of this upcoming match.
In conclusion, Ghana looks to redeem its disappointing campaign in the 2025 AFCON qualification by seeking a home victory against Niger. Despite recent struggles, the Black Stars aspire to conclude on a positive note, while Niger seeks to bolster their qualifying ambitions. The absence of key players for Ghana adds to the intrigue of the match, making it a pivotal encounter for both teams.
Original Source: supersport.com
