Niger scored late to secure a dramatic 1-1 draw against Ghana in their second group match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Coach Otto Addo made just two changes to the lineup from the previous game, bringing in Inaki Williams and Majeed Ashimeru to replace Jordan Ayew and Elisha Owusu.
The Black Stars almost took the lead less than 30 seconds into the match when Abdul Fatawu Issahaku’s early cross found Inaki Williams, whose header went wide.
Daniel Sosah, born in Ghana, nearly put Niger ahead with a powerful long-range shot, but Ati-Zigi made the save. Boubacar Hainikoye’s follow-up bicycle kick also missed the target.
Ghana took the lead just before halftime when Alidu Seidu scored with a stunning long-distance strike.
After the break, Niger responded strongly, creating several chances but failing to capitalize. Sixteen minutes into the second half, Inaki Williams almost doubled Ghana’s lead, but his shot was saved by Hainikoye.
In the final fifteen minutes, Niger had a chance when Abdoul Garba’s effort from a well-worked move was saved by Lawrence Ati-Zigi.
Niger eventually equalized when Oumar Sako scored from close range after a scramble in the box following a corner kick. The score was tied 1-1 at halftime.
The Black Stars will now return to their respective clubs before regrouping to face Sudan in back-to-back matches on October 11 and 15, for match-days three and four.
