The Black Stars endured another frustrating result in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, drawing 1-1 with Niger at the Stade Municipal de Berkane in Morocco.
After a 1-0 defeat to Angola last Thursday, Ghana was desperate to bounce back, but their hopes were dashed when they gave away a first-half lead.
Alidu Seidu’s opening goal seemed to set Ghana on course for victory, but Niger’s Oumar Sako equalized with just 10 minutes remaining. The draw leaves Ghana with only one point from two matches, raising concerns about their AFCON qualification chances.
Here are five key takeaways from the match:
1. Accurate Passing, but Little Penetration
Ghana completed 402 accurate passes compared to Niger’s 216, controlling the tempo of the game. However, this possession didn’t translate into attacking penetration, with Ghana only managing 57 entries into the final third. The team struggled to break down Niger’s defense and lacked cutting-edge creativity.
2. Partey and Ashimeru’s Midfield Partnership
Thomas Partey and Majeed Ashimeru looked to be a promising duo in midfield. Partey shielded the backline while Ashimeru made forward runs, with the pair complementing each other’s skillsets. However, when Ashimeru was substituted for Elisha Owusu, the midfield lost its balance, and Niger capitalized with their late equalizer.
3. Dominating Possession but Failing to Capitalize
Ghana controlled 61% of possession, a statistic that once again failed to translate into goals. This continues to be a recurring issue for the Black Stars, who dominate matches but struggle to make the most of their chances in the final third.
4. Otto Addo’s Possession-Based Football
Otto Addo’s philosophy of possession-based, positional football has become clear in recent games. The Black Stars’ style, characterized by patient build-up play, is a nod to Ghana’s traditional approach to the game. However, while aesthetically pleasing, the team must begin converting this style into winning results to restore fans’ confidence.
5. Attacking Struggles Continue
Despite registering 14 shots, Ghana’s attack lacked efficiency. Niger’s defense held firm, making 14 tackles and forcing two crucial saves from their goalkeeper. Ghana created only three big chances despite their dominance, underlining the ongoing struggle to convert possession into goals.
The Black Stars will need to address these issues as they continue their quest for AFCON qualification. With just one point from two games, the pressure is mounting for Otto Addo and his team to deliver results.
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