Niger secured a 2-1 victory over Ghana in a crucial 2025 AFCON qualifier, with central midfielder Ousseini Badamassi opening the scoring in the 22nd minute.
Badamassi capitalised on poor marking inside the penalty area, heading in a corner kick to give Niger the lead.
Folloeing the goal, a viral video circulating on social media shows groups of people, reportedly Ghanaian football fans, celebrating the goal that symbolized Ghana’s disappointing performance in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
Niger doubled their advantage in stoppage time, with FC Rostov defender Oumar Sako nodding in another set-piece delivery in the 92nd minute.
Ghana managed a consolation goal in the 67th minute, courtesy of debutant Jerry Afriyie. The 19-year-old connected with an Ernest Nuamah cross, displaying impressive movement to peel away from his marker.
However, the Black Stars’ night was marred further when Mohammed Kudus missed a penalty with the final kick of the game.
The result confirms Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, marking their first absence from the tournament in 20 years.
