Accra, Ghana – Niger’s national football team, led by coach Badou Zaki, achieved a memorable 2-1 victory over the Black Stars of Ghana at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday in their final game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Despite the win, Niger fell short of securing a ticket to Morocco 2025, finishing third in Group F with seven points. The result, however, marked a historic moment for Zaki and his team of mostly amateur players, whose determination and resilience paid off on the pitch.

A Plan Well Executed

Speaking after the game, Coach Zaki credited his team’s success to their tactical preparation and confidence in Ghana’s recent vulnerabilities.

“We knew Ghana could score but also conceded a lot. From our last AFCON experience and our 4-0 win over Sudan, we believed beating Ghana was possible,” he said.

Zaki highlighted the dedication of his players, many of whom are amateurs who faced arduous travel challenges to play the match.

“Some of my players traveled for up to eighteen hours, arriving just a day before the game. This win is a testament to their hard work and spirit,” Zaki remarked.

Ghana’s Shocking Exit

For Ghana, the loss marked the end of a dismal campaign, finishing bottom of the group with just three points from six matches. This result means the Black Stars will miss the AFCON tournament for the first time in 21 years, a devastating blow for a nation with a rich footballing history.

Although Niger’s journey ends here, their stunning victory over Ghana will be remembered as a moment of pride for the Mena and a sign of the potential in their ranks.