Black Stars seek redemption against Niger
Ghana’s Black Stars are on a mission to restore pride and credibility as they clash with Niger in a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nation (AFCON) qualifier today at the Municipal Sports Complex in Berkane, Morocco. Kick-off is scheduled at 4 p.m. (Ghana Time).
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After a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Angola last Thursday at the Baba Yara Stadium, Ghana’s hopes of advancing in the tournament took an early blow, leaving fans anxious and critics sharpening their knives.
However, today offers a chance for redemption, as the team looks to shake off the disappointment, reignite their campaign, and prove they still have the fight to reclaim their place among Africa’s footballing elite.
Optimism
Despite the early setback, the Head Coach, Otto Addo, remains buoyant, believing his side can still make a strong comeback. Although he stopped short of blaming the poor Baba Yara Stadium pitch conditions for the defeat, he hinted it played a role in their subpar showing.
“We have good quality players and didn’t deserve to lose,” Addo asserted confidently during a post-match interview. “We’ve learned our lessons and will correct our mistakes.”
He firmly believes that facing Niger on neutral ground offers the perfect chance to get their campaign back on track. Yet, the coach is not without challenges heading into this crucial encounter.
Defensive stalwart Jerome Opoku of Istanbul Basaksehir has been ruled out due to injury, while Los Angeles Galaxy winger Joseph Paintsil failed to resolve passport issues in time. With two key players sidelined, the Black Stars face a stern test.
Niger, also smarting from a 0-1 loss to Sudan, will be just as determined to secure a win, setting the stage for a fiercely contested showdown.
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This will be the 15th time the two nations lock horns, with Ghana boasting a dominant record of 11 wins, two losses, and one draw. While history favours Ghana—including a memorable 9-1 thrashing of Niger back in 1969 — recent encounters suggest caution.
Niger’s shock 2-0 victory over Ghana’s Black Galaxies in last year’s African nations Championship quarter finals still lingers fresh, giving the Nigeriens a glimmer of hope.
The Ghanaian coach can pick useful lessons from his goalkeepers’ trainer, Fatau Dauda, who was in goal and kept a clean sheet when Ghana defeated Niger 3-0 at the 2013 AFCON.
Now serving as the team’s goalkeepers' trainer, Dauda’s experience will be crucial in guiding Lawrence Ati Zigi to keep a clean sheet, with the Black Stars conceding goals in each of the last eight matches, both friendly and competitive.
Otto Addo acknowledged that the team’s defensive vulnerabilities must be addressed. “I don’t think there’s a major problem in defence, but we do need to work on reducing the chances we allow. Defence starts from the front, so we need to be more compact as a team,” he admitted.
Sharp attack
Beyond defensive stability, much of Ghana’s hopes will rest on the shoulders of their attacking stars. Striker Antoine Semenyo, eager to find the back of the net after a quiet outing against Angola, will be looking to make amends.
He will be supported by Jordan Ayew, fresh off a hat-trick in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Central African Republic.
Addo is counting on these forwards to be more clinical in front of goal.
“We need to be more clinical, and there were instances where we should have taken shots but passed instead,” he lamented. “The players gave everything, and though we controlled the game, football can be cruel sometimes—you play well but still lose.”
The Ghana coach will also look to his midfield maestros, with Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Elisha Owusu expected to provide the creative spark. Defensively, Mohammed Salisu and Tariq Lamptey will need to step up to prevent any further lapses at the back.
Niger, eager to make a statement, will be led by some of their best players, including former Ghanaian youth star, Najeeb Yakubu.
Though historically second-best to Ghana, the Nigeriens will be aiming to upset the odds and secure a rare win over the Black Stars.
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For Coach Addo and his team, this match is pivotal—not only to keep their AFCON 2025 hopes alive but to restore faith among Ghana’s passionate fans.“Qualification is still in our hands, and we don’t depend on any other team,” Addo said, rallying his players and supporters alike.
“We need to work on being more clinical and assertive in front of goal. Tomorrow, we’ll review the match and prepare for the next challenge,” he added.