Ghana ends AFCON qualifiers with disappointing home loss to Niger, record zero win

The Black Stars of Ghana has ended their disappointing 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, as they lost on home soil to Niger Republic.

The Ghana suffered a late goal and a penalty miss to end their AFCON 2025 qualification campaign in a bitter way

The game began with both teams showing intent, but it was Niger who struck first.

The visitors opened the scoresheet in the 22nd minute as Badamassi capitalised on a well-delivered corner kick to head home the opening goal.

They maintained their first-half lead as Ghana struggled to find their rhythm and could not penetrate the Niger’s tall defense.

The Black Stars returned with renewed energy, piling relentless pressure on Niger’s defense. They got the breakthrough in the 67th minute when Jeremiah Afriyie sent home Ernest Nuamah’s perfectly weighted pass into the box.

However, Niger delivered a blow in the dying moments of stoppage time. Following a free-kick earned from a counterattack, Sako rose highest to nod the ball past the Ghanaian goalkeeper in the 92nd minute.

Ghana got a lifeline as star player Mohammed Kudus earned his side a penalty. However, the West Ham forward failed to capitalise as his penalty was brilliantly saved by the Niger’s goalkeeper.

Despite the late heroics, neither side managed to secure a spot, as the final standings confirmed their failure to qualify for Morocco 2025.

Meanwhile, Ghana, who will be missing out on the continental tournament for the first time since 2004, also failed to register a single win at the qualifiers, despite being favourites to top the group.