https://www.myjoyonline.com/afcon-2025q-ghana-lose-to-niger-at-home-to-end-disastrous-campaign/-------https://www.myjoyonline.com/afcon-2025q-ghana-lose-to-niger-at-home-to-end-disastrous-campaign/

Ghana ended their abysmal AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign in a home defeat against Niger, at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Black Stars Head Coach Otto Addo handed debut call ups to Terry Yegbe, Nathaniel Adjei, and Isaac Afful.

For his impressive display against Angola, Nations FC defender Razak Simpson was retained his place in the team.

Otto's changes reflected in the team's play as they struggled for cohesiveness.

It was no surprise when Niger took the lead after a few close shaves.

The goal was scored in the 22nd minute when Sumaila Badamasi towered above Ghana's defense to head home Alhassane Bonkano's corner.

Three minutes later, Bonkano skinned Isaac Afful to set up Anthony Sosah but his effort went wide of the goal posts.

Ghana's first real attempt came in the 29th minute when Ernest Nuamah broke free from the middle of the pitch.

However, his cross could not find Mohammed Kudus who arrived a micro-second late.

Ghana threatened again two minute later, but Terry Yegbe was adjusted to have fouled Nigerien goalkeeper Kassali Djibo from Schindler's cross.

Five minutes before the interval, Otto Addo made his first substitution when he introduced Osman Bukari for Nathaniel Adjei.

On the stroke of half time, Ghana created their first chance when Kingsley Schindler's cross found Ibrahim Sulemana who headed over from close range.

There were two more substitutions for Ghana at half time as Isaac Afful and Kingsley Schindler were taken off for Ebenezer Annan and Kamaradini Mamudu respectively.

Fresh from restart, Ghana went close when Annan's cut back was not dealt with. However, Osman Bukari's effort flashed wide.

The Black Stars grew into the game as Francis Abu and Ibrahim Sulemana took control of affairs.

Ghana's dominance nearly paid off when Ernest Nuamah cut back, but the chance was cleared before Mohammed Kudus could make contact.

In a bid to improve Ghana's chances of scoring, Otto Addo introduced Jerry Afriyie for Ransford Yeboah Konigsdorffer just before the hour mark.

Ghana's perseverance finally paid off when Jerry Afriyie stabbed home Ernest Nuamah's cross in the 67th minute.

Amidst the celebrations, Ghana coach Otto Addo entered the pitch to hug Afriyie.

Two minute later, Ghana went close when Razak Simpson glancing header missed the cross bar by inches.

Next, Mohammed Kudus went close in the 83rd minute when his free kick from 28 yards out clipped the posts.

In stoppage time, Niger struck again when Daniel Sosa towered above the Ghanaian defense to restore their advantage.

The Accra-New Town born striker was the toast of Nigerien fans who had turned uo to support him, along with the three other Ghanaian-born players in the Nigerien team.

Moments after restart, Mohammed Kudus was brought down and the referee obliged to award a penalty.

The resultant spot kick was missed, drawing wild celebrations from the Nigerien fans, and groans from the Ghanaian fans.

Monday's result means Ghana will finish bottom of Group F with three points, while Niger finish with seven points.

However, Sudan have qualified ahead of them with eight points, while Angola finish with fourteen points.

Ghana have failed to qualify for the AFCON for the first time since 2004.

Monday's result also means for the first time in the country's history, Ghana have completed an AFCON qualifying series without winning a match.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.