LIVE UPDATES: Niger 1-1 Ghana – 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers

[caption id="attachment_984146" align="alignnone" width="300"] Alidu Seidu scores to give Ghana the lead over Niger[/caption]

Good evening, and welcome to our live text commentary of this exciting 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Niger and Ghana.

Tonight, Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars, faces off against Niger in what promises to be a thrilling second Group F encounter. With both teams aiming for qualification, there’s a lot at stake in this match.

Team News: Ahead of kickoff, Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, has made two notable changes to the lineup that started against Angola. The ever-reliable Lawrence Ati-Zigi retains his spot in goal, while the defense features Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey, Mohammed Salisu, and Abdul Mumin, forming a formidable backline.

In midfield, captain Thomas Partey will once again lead by example, partnering with the dynamic Majeed Ashimeru, as Ghana looks to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game.

Ghana’s attack is set to pack a punch, with Antoine Semenyo leading the line, flanked by the pace and skill of Inaki Williams and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku. These forwards are expected to test Niger’s defense throughout the 90 minutes.

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Otto Addo makes 2️⃣ changes to the team that played Angola, with Majeed Ashimeru and Inaki Williams replacing Elisha Owusu and Jordan Ayew.#BlackStars | #AFCON2025Q pic.twitter.com/hHzOgKM62n

— ???????? Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) September 9, 2024

With just an hour left until kickoff, anticipation is building. Will the Black Stars secure a crucial win, or will Niger pull off an unexpected upset? The answer awaits us after 90 minutes of intense football at the Municipal Sports Complex in Berkane. Stay tuned for live updates and all the action!

First Half:

1' We are at Municipal Sports Complex in Berkane with Niger kicking us off. First chance for the Black Stars already but it's saved by the Niger goalkeeper.

3' Good early exchanges between Niger and Ghana. So far it is the Black Stars dominating the play.

7' The Black Stars are playing all the football but need to take a risk and thread some through balls for the attackers.

10' Niger 0-0 Ghana. We have exhausted the first 10 minutes of the contest. Still no breakthrough.

13' Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, and Mohammed Kudus linking well so far for the Black Stars. The team needs to score.

15' Niger has grown into the game very well in the last few minutes.

20' We have played 20 minutes of the first 45 minutes. Municipal Sports Complex in Berkane. Come on you Black Stars.

24' The pace of the game keeps changing. The Black Stars need to get hold of the game and score before halftime.

27' We are just three minutes to the half-hour mark.

30' Niger 0-0 Ghana.

34' Antoine Semenyo is down injured. Moussa who brought him down is shown a yellow card.

37' Pressure from Ghana but no goal so far.

40' We are into the final five minutes of the first half.

43' Goal!!!! Ghana has taken the lead. Alidu Seidu has scored with the help of a deflection.

45' We will do three minutes of additional time.

45+3' It's halftime at Municipal Sports Complex. The Black Stars take a narrow lead into the first half.

Second Half:

46' We are back underway at the Municipal Sports Complex for the second half. Will there be more goals?

50' Niger has started the second half strongly in search of an equaliser to restore parity.

53' Ghana must be careful. The play from the Black Stars in the last few minutes has been unimpressive.

48' The Black Stars now have control of the game.

61' Inaki Williams comes close to scoring but is denied by the stretching Niger goalkeeper who pulls off a good save.

⏱️61’ – Inaki Williams nearly doubles our lead, but the keeper makes a great save!

???????? Niger 0️⃣-1️⃣ Ghana ???????? #BlackStars | #AFCON2025Q pic.twitter.com/VoM8cE9fC4

— ???????? Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) September 9, 2024

64' Niger goes on a counterattack and has a chance to score. Mohammed Salisu steps in with a fine interception to win possession back for the Black Stars.

67' Niger has a free-kick in a very good position. Mohammed Salisu jumps highest to clear the danger.

70' Three changes for Black Stars. Elisha Owusu replaces Majeed Ashimeru. Fatawu Issahaku out for Brandon Thomas-Asante. Inaki Williams also makes way for Jordan Ayew.

73' The substitutes have added more energy to the attack of the Black Stars. Hopefully, it will result in a goal.

77' Niger continue to push but the Black Stars defense remains resolute.

80' We are into the last 10 minutes of the contest.