AFCON 2025 qualifiers: Black Stars draw 1-1 with Niger

The Black Stars were held to a 1-1 draw against Niger in their second match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Monday, 9 September 2024, in Berkane, Morocco.
Head Coach Otto Addo, aiming for a strong response after the defeat to Angola, made two changes to the starting lineup. Majeed Ashimeru and Inaki Williams replaced Elisha Owusu and Jordan Ayew, respectively.
Ghana took the lead in the 44th minute when Alidu Seidu fired a powerful, swerving shot past the Niger goalkeeper.
The Black Stars could have opened the scoring much earlier; Inaki Williams saw his header saved just 26 seconds into the game, and Lawrence Ati-Zigi was forced into action in the 16th minute, making a critical save from a long-range effort. Mohammed Kudus also came close to finding the net, but his shot was thwarted.
After leading 1-0 at halftime, Ghana continued to create chances. Kudus nearly doubled the lead early in the second half, but the opposition goalkeeper denied him. Minutes later, Inaki Williams surged forward after being played through by Mohammed Salisu, but his close-range effort with his weaker foot was saved.
With 10 minutes left, Oumar Sako of Niger equalised following a scramble in the Black Stars' penalty area. Despite pressing for a winner, Ghana could not find the breakthrough, and the game ended in a stalemate.
The result means Ghana has picked up only one point from their first two matches in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, increasing the pressure on the team to secure victories in their upcoming games.
Ghana faces Sudan next.
Source: classfmonline.com
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