Niger got their 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Boys Cup campaign off to a winning start with a narrow 1-0 victory over Togo in the opening Group B clash on Friday.

The tightly contested match took place at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, Ghana, where both sides showcased strong intent but failed to convert numerous chances.

The decisive moment came in the 28th minute when Abdoul Latif Goumey found the back of the net with a composed finish from close range, giving Niger the lead heading into halftime.

Togo pushed hard in the second half in search of an equaliser, but Niger’s defence held firm to secure all three points in a hard-fought encounter.

Later in the day, defending champions Ivory Coast edged Burkina Faso 2-1 in another exciting Group B fixture, leaving Niger and Ivory Coast in strong positions to qualify for the knockout stage.