Ghana suffers 2-1 defeat to Niger in AFCON qualifier

Ghana ended their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a disappointing 2-1 loss to Niger, finishing bottom of Group F with just three points. Despite debut appearances for Isaac Afful, Nathaniel Adjei, and Terry Yegbe, the Black Stars struggled.

Niger opened the scoring in the 22nd minute through Ousseini Badamassi's header, but Ghana equalized in the 67th minute with a goal from teenager Jerry Afriyie, assisted by Ernest Nuamah. However, Niger regained the lead in the 92nd minute with Oumar Sako's header.

In stoppage time, Mohammed Kudus missed a penalty after being fouled, with Niger's goalkeeper Mahamadou Djibo making a crucial save.

The defeat sealed a winless qualifying campaign for Ghana, marked by three draws and three losses, excluding them from the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.