Ghana’s nightmare Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign came to a losing end, with West Ham United star, Mohamed Kudus, failing to convert a late penalty as Niger secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Black Stars in Accra.
It was Niger that took the lead in the Group F qualifying match at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday night through Ousseni Badamassi’s header from a Rahim Alhassane corner-kick midway through the first half.
Ghana got back on level terms in the 67th minute through substitute Jerry Afriyie, making his debut, but the visitors were back in front in the second minute of stoppage time thanks to Oumar Sako’s goal.
Kudus had the chance to earn Ghana a point from the encounter with a penalty kick after he was fouled in the Niger area. But the Premier League forward saw goalkeeper, Mahamadou Tandja, save his penalty as Niger held on for the win.
The result was in vain for Niger, though, as they finished a point behind Sudan, who booked their place at AFCON 2025 thanks to a goalless draw with already-qualified Angola in the other group match.