Five things we learned as Niger stun Ghana in Accra

Ghana’s quest to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ended on a bitter note as they fell 2-1 to Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium. The defeat sealed their last-place finish in Group F, marking a winless campaign with only three goals scored in six matches.

Key Takeaways from the Match:

1. Kudus’ Penalty Miss Highlights Campaign Woes

In stoppage time, Mohammed Kudus earned a penalty but failed to convert, with Niger’s goalkeeper making a crucial save.

This missed opportunity summed up the Black Stars’ struggles throughout the qualifiers—missed chances and a lack of attacking sharpness. Ghana’s inability to capitalize on key moments reflected in their paltry three-goal tally across the campaign.

2. Emerging Talent Offers Hope

Despite the disappointing result, the debut performances of young players provided a silver lining. Jerry Afriyie, Nathaniel Adjei, Terry Yegbe, Isaac Afful, and Kamaradini Mamudu showed promise, particularly Afriyie, who scored a composed equalizer.

The glimpses of potential from these newcomers suggest a brighter future if properly developed.

3. Jerry Afriyie’s Memorable Debut

At just 17, Jerry Afriyie made an immediate impact, scoring Ghana’s only goal of the match.

His calm finish after a pinpoint cross from Ernest Nuamah was a rare highlight in an otherwise disappointing game. Afriyie’s performance, built on his stellar U-20 form, could signal the beginning of a promising international career.

4. Defensive Weaknesses Exposed Again

Ghana’s defensive frailties were on full display as they conceded a late winner to Oumar Sako, who was left unmarked to head home.

Poor set-piece defending and a lack of organization plagued the Black Stars throughout the qualifiers. Addressing these issues will be crucial moving forward.

5. Otto Addo’s Role Under Scrutiny

Head coach Otto Addo faces mounting criticism following the team’s disastrous campaign.

With no wins in six matches, his leadership has come under fire, and many are calling for a change. While Addo highlighted player development as a positive, fans and analysts see the results as unacceptable. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is expected to review the team’s performance and decide Addo’s fate.

Conclusion

Ghana’s AFCON 2025 qualifiers were a disaster, marking their first failure to qualify in 20 years. While the emergence of young talents offers a glimmer of hope, persistent issues like defensive lapses and poor finishing must be urgently addressed.

Whether under Otto Addo or new leadership, the Black Stars must rebuild to regain their stature on the continental stage.