Niger Stun Ghana with Late Winner, but Both Miss Out on Qualification

In a dramatic end to their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualification campaign, Niger edged Ghana 2-1 in a nail-biting encounter. Despite the late heroics, neither side managed to secure a spot in the tournament, leaving both teams with regrets and lessons to ponder.

The game began with both teams showing intent, but it was Niger who struck first. In the 22nd minute, Badamassi capitalized on a well-delivered corner kick to head home the opening goal. Ghana struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, with Niger’s defense standing tall against any attempt to break through. The first 45 minutes ended with Niger holding a slim 1-0 lead.

After the break, Ghana came out with renewed energy, piling relentless pressure on Niger’s defense. The breakthrough came in the 67th minute when Ernest Nuamah delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the box, allowing Jeremiah Afriyie to slot home an equalizer from close range. The goal energized the Black Stars, who seemed poised to complete the comeback.

Just as the game seemed destined for a draw, Niger delivered the killer blow in the dying moments of stoppage time. A swift counterattack earned them a freekick, and Sako rose highest to nod the ball past the Ghanaian goalkeeper in the 90+2 minute, sending the Nigerien fans into a frenzy.

In a desperate last attempt, Ghana’s star player Mohammed Kudus found himself in a promising position with a penalty. However, his penalty was brilliantly saved by Niger’s goalkeeper, denying Ghana an equalizer with what turned out to be the last kick of the game.

While Niger celebrated their hard-fought victory, both teams were left disappointed as the final standings confirmed their failure to qualify for Morocco 2025. Ghana’s inability to convert chances and defensive lapses proved costly, while Niger’s win, though a morale boost, came too late to impact their campaign.