The Black Stars of Ghana will face Niger today in their second Group F match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, with kick-off set for 16:00 GMT at the Stade Municipal de Berkane.
Both teams will be eager to secure their first victory in the qualifiers, following defeats in their opening games.
Ghana’s campaign began with a shocking home loss to Angola last Thursday, just a day after Niger were defeated by Sudan in their group opener.
Niger’s 1-0 loss to Sudan in the Group F curtain-raiser saw former Bradford City midfielder Abo Eisa score the decisive goal in the 51st minute at Juba Stadium.
Niger, ranked 125th in the latest FIFA rankings, have struggled in recent times, losing eight of their last nine competitive games.
This poor run also saw them drop to third place in Group E of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
As coach Zaki Badou’s men look to kick-start their qualification campaign, they face a tough challenge against a Ghanaian side that remains unbeaten in 12 of their last 14 encounters, having secured 11 wins and one draw since February 1969.
Niger’s last AFCON appearance was in 2013, where they exited at the group stage with just one point from three games.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s 24-year unbeaten streak at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium came to an end with their 1-0 defeat to Angola, courtesy of a stoppage-time goal from Red Star Belgrade forward Milson.
Before this loss, Ghana had enjoyed an unbeaten run of four competitive games, including victories over Mali and the Central African Republic in the World Cup qualifiers.
Otto Addo’s side sits second in Group I, level on points with leaders Comoros.
Having qualified for the last 10 AFCON tournaments since 2004, Addo will be hoping to see a positive response from his team as they aim to get their qualification campaign back on track.
Ghana have been solid away from home recently, remaining unbeaten in five of their last six competitive matches, with their only defeat coming against Comoros in November 2023.
Team News
Despite their loss to Sudan, Niger are expected to field an unchanged lineup, with defenders Abdel Rahim Alhassane, Abdoulaye Boureima Katore, Philippe Boueye, and Najeeb Yakubu likely to form the back four again. Forward Daniel Sosah, who has scored four goals in 19 appearances, will lead the attack.
For Ghana, Premier League stars Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, and Jordan Ayew are likely to spearhead the offense. Captain Thomas Partey, who has been a key figure for Arsenal, is expected to partner Elisha Owusu in midfield. The defensive lineup should include Alidu Seidu, Mohammed Salisu, Abdul Mumin, and Tariq Lamptey, with Lawrence Ati-Zigi in goal.
Jerome Opoku has been ruled out with an injury, while Joseph Paintsil missed the trip due to visa issues.
Head-to-Head
Ghana has dominated the previous 13 meetings between the two nations, winning 12 times, with one draw and one loss.
Form Guide
- Niger’s form: L L W L L D L
- Ghana’s form: L D L D W W L
Predicted Lineups
- Niger: Hainikoye, Alhassane, Katore, Boueye, Yakubu, Oumarou, Moussa, Diabate, Abraham, Sosah, Goumey
- Ghana: Ati-Zigi, Seidu, Salisu, Mumin, Lamptey, Partey, Ashimeru, Issahaku, Kudus, Semenyo, Ayew
Prediction
- Niger 1-2 Ghana