Niger’s head coach, Badou Zaki, has commended his players for a determined performance that capitalized on Ghana’s defensive lapses, securing a 2-1 victory in their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
The Mena’s surprising win at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday condemned the Black Stars to a last-place finish in Group F, marking a historic low point for Ghanaian football.
Speaking after the match, Zaki credited his team’s preparation and tactical execution.
“Based on our analysis of Ghana’s recent games, we understood their strength in attack but also saw vulnerabilities in their defense,” Zaki said. “Our experience against Sudan gave us the belief we could achieve this result.”
Niger’s triumph was particularly remarkable given the logistical and operational hurdles the team had to overcome.
“Most of my players are amateurs based in Niger, and those playing abroad faced significant challenges traveling to games,” Zaki explained. “They often endured 18-hour journeys, arriving just a day before matches.”
Zaki also pointed out how travel constraints affected their away-game preparations.
“Our flights, even for short distances like Lomé to Accra, took over an hour. Better travel arrangements would have made a huge difference,” he noted.
Despite these setbacks, Zaki’s team delivered a spirited performance, further deepening Ghana’s woes. The loss leaves the Black Stars without a win in the group stage and out of the AFCON for the first time in two decades, ending a streak of consistent qualifications dating back to 2006.
Niger’s victory not only underscores their resilience but also raises significant questions about Ghana’s footballing future.
SOURCE: http://dew360.net
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