Ghana concluded their disappointing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Niger on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The loss confirmed the Black Stars’ place at the bottom of Group F, marking a historic low for the team as they failed to secure a single win in the six-match series.
Head coach Otto Addo made several changes to the lineup, giving debuts to Isaac Afful, Nathaniel Adjei, and Terry Yegbe. Razak Simpson retained his spot in the starting XI, and Medeama SC fullback Kamaradini Mamudu made his first international appearance as a second-half substitute. Ghana U20 star Jerry Afriyie and Heart of Lions captain Ebenezer Abban also earned their senior team debuts.
Niger took the lead in the 22nd minute when Ousseini Badamassi of TP Mazembe capitalized on a corner kick, heading the ball into the net.
Ghana responded in the 67th minute, with debutant Afriyie scoring a well-taken goal from a cross by Ernest Nuamah. However, despite a close free-kick from Mohammed Kudus that hit the woodwork, Niger regained the lead in stoppage time when Oumar Sako converted a free-kick delivery into the net.
Ghana had a late chance to equalize when they were awarded a penalty, but Kudus’ effort was saved by Niger goalkeeper Mahamadou Tanja, sealing Ghana’s fate in a campaign that ended without a single victory.
