KEY POINTS
- Niger defeated Sudan 4-0 in a crucial AFCON qualifier, exploiting defensive lapses in Togo.
- Ghanaian coach Kwasi Appiah’s Sudan side struggled, while Niger’s Oumarou, Badasmassi, and Sosah scored emphatic goals.
- Ghana needs wins and a Sudan loss to Angola to keep AFCON qualification hopes alive.
Niger delivered a devastating 4-0 defeat to Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, played on neutral ground in Togo on November 14, 2024.
The victory significantly boosted Ghana’s chances of securing a spot in next year’s tournament, though they still face a tough road ahead.
Sudan falters as Niger capitalizes on weaknesses
Under the guidance of Ghanaian coach Kwasi Appiah, Sudan’s defense was unable to withstand the pressure from Niger’s potent attacking play.
Niger ruthlessly exploited defensive frailties, with Youssouf Oumarou and Ousseini Badasmassi each scoring, while Daniel Sosah netted a brace in the first half to give his team an insurmountable lead.
Despite attempts by Sudan to mount a comeback, their offensive struggles left them unable to breach Niger’s organized defense.
Ghana’s path to AFCON qualification narrowed but still possible
According to GhanaWeb, this result has opened a narrow window of hope for Ghana’s Black Stars. To keep their AFCON 2025 aspirations alive, Ghana must win both of their remaining fixtures and rely on Sudan to lose their final match against Angola. Currently, Angola leads Group F with 12 points, followed by Sudan on 7 points, Niger with 4, and Ghana at the bottom with just 2 points.
If Sudan manage a draw against Angola in their final group match, they will secure their AFCON berth, leaving Ghana’s hopes reliant on a miracle.
Ghana, on the other hand, must first overcome Angola on November 15, 2024, before facing Niger in a crucial match at Accra Sports Stadium on November 18, 2024, in what could be their last chance to stay in the race for qualification.
