Ghana’s historic winless campaign concludes with a 2-1 home defeat in Accra

In a night of disappointment at the Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana’s Black Stars suffered a painful 2-1 defeat to Niger, closing their AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign without a single victory—a first in the nation’s storied football history.

The game, marked by bold lineup changes from head coach Otto Addo, saw debuts for Isaac Afful, Nathaniel Adjei, Terry Yegbe, and U20 star Jerry Afriyie, alongside appearances from Medeama SC’s Kamaradini Mamudu and Heart of Lions captain Ebenezer Abban. However, the fresh faces couldn’t lift the team out of their slump.

Niger struck first in the 22nd minute, with TP Mazembe’s Ousseini Badamassi heading home from a corner kick. Ghana responded in the second half, as debutant Afriyie converted a pinpoint cross from Ernest Nuamah to bring the score level in the 67th minute.

Despite Mohammed Kudus’ efforts, including a free-kick that rattled the woodwork, the Black Stars’ hopes were dashed in stoppage time. Niger’s Oumar Sako found the back of the net with a header from a free-kick delivery. A last-gasp penalty offered a glimmer of redemption, but Kudus’ strike was saved by Niger’s goalkeeper, Mahamadou Tanja, sealing Ghana’s fate.

The defeat leaves Ghana at the bottom of Group F, marking a dark chapter in their football history as they prepare to rebuild for the future.