The Black Stars of Ghana are set to lock horns with Niger in their second match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Monday, September 9.
This crucial fixture could determine both teams' hopes of progressing in Group F. Here’s a comprehensive preview of the game, analyzing both teams' form, head-to-head record, group standings, and key talking points.
Team Form:
Niger, playing their home game on neutral ground in Morocco, enters the contest in dire form. Over their last five matches, they’ve secured only one win, suffering three defeats and managing a draw. Their AFCON 2025 campaign started on a disappointing note with a 1-0 loss to Angola in the opening round.
Ghana, on the other hand, boasts a marginally better recent record. The Black Stars have won two of their last five matches, alongside two losses and one draw. However, like Niger, Ghana also opened their 2025 AFCON qualifiers with a defeat—falling 1-0 to Angola at home in the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Head-to-Head Record:
Since 2011, the two teams have clashed four times, with both sides sharing the spoils evenly. Ghana has emerged victorious in two encounters, while Niger claimed victory in the other two. This historical balance adds an extra layer of unpredictability to the upcoming showdown.
Current Group F Standings:
Following the first round of matches, Angola leads Group F, with Sudan closely behind in second place. Ghana occupies third, while Niger finds themselves at the bottom of the standings. Both teams will be desperate to climb the table and keep their AFCON qualification dreams alive.
Key Talking Points:
One of the major talking points surrounding the game is its location. Due to Niger’s lack of an approved stadium, the match will be played at the Municipal Sports Complex in Berkane, Morocco.
The Black Stars will also be missing some key players, including defender Jerome Opoku and winger Joseph Paintsil, which could have a significant impact on their performance.
Match Details:
- Fixture: Niger vs. Ghana (2025 AFCON Qualifiers)
- Date: Monday, September 9
- Venue: Municipal Sports Complex, Berkane, Morocco
- Kickoff Time: 4:00 PM local time
With both teams eager for redemption after opening defeats, the stage is set for an exciting contest that could dramatically alter the dynamics of Group F.
Score Prediction:
Niger 0-2 Ghana.