Niger and Ghana will clash in a crucial encounter on Monday at the Stade Municipal de Berkane, both eager to secure their first win in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The two teams are looking to bounce back after disappointing defeats in their opening matches of the group stage.
Match Preview
Niger began their AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign with a 1-0 loss to Sudan in a tight contest at the Juba Stadium. Former Bradford City midfielder Abo Eisa scored the decisive goal in the 51st minute, handing Sudan all three points. The defeat continued a difficult run for Niger, who have now lost eight of their last nine competitive matches, leaving them third in Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Menas, ranked 125th in the FIFA World Rankings, are eager to turn things around and make a statement in their AFCON qualification campaign. Niger’s last appearance in the AFCON tournament was in 2013, where they were eliminated in the group stage. Head coach Zaki Badou will be hoping to break the team’s poor form and secure a vital win against a Ghanaian side that is also under pressure.
Ghana, meanwhile, suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Angola at Kumasi’s Baba Yara Sports Stadium last Thursday, ending their 24-year unbeaten streak at the venue. Red Star Belgrade forward Milson scored the only goal in stoppage time, delivering a major blow to the Black Stars. Despite dominating possession, Ghana struggled to create clear scoring opportunities and were left empty-handed.
The loss came after Ghana had been on a strong run, remaining unbeaten in four competitive matches, including victories over Mali and the Central African Republic in World Cup qualifiers. Head coach Otto Addo will be eager for his side to regain their form as they aim for a place in Morocco for the 2024 AFCON tournament.
Team News
Niger is expected to field a largely unchanged side despite the loss to Sudan. Abdel Rahim Alhassane, Abdoulaye Boureima Katore, Philippe Boueye, and Najeeb Yakubu are likely to form the backline once again, while Daniel Sosah, who has netted four goals in 19 senior caps, should lead the attack.
Ghana, on the other hand, will look to their Premier League stars to turn the tide. Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, and Jordan Ayew are expected to lead the frontline, while captain Thomas Partey will marshal the midfield alongside Elisha Owusu. Defenders Alidu Seidu, Mohammed Salisu, Abdul Mumin, and Tariq Lamptey are set to provide defensive cover for goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi.
Predicted Lineups:
- Niger Possible Starting XI:
Hainikoye; Alhassane, Katore, Boueye, Yakubu; Oumarou, Moussa, Diabate; Abraham, Sosah, Goumey - Ghana Possible Starting XI:
Ati-Zigi; Seidu, Salisu, Mumin, Lamptey; Partey, Owusu; Issahaku, Kudus, Semenyo; J. Ayew
Kickoff Time
The game will start at exactly 15:00 GMT (3:00 LOCAL TIME)
Prediction: Niger 1-2 Ghana
Both teams are eager to put their opening-day losses behind them, making this an intense contest. While Niger will hope to exploit their home advantage, Ghana’s superior squad depth and experience should give them the edge. The Black Stars are expected to secure a narrow victory to get their AFCON qualifying campaign back on track.
