In a tightly contested first half, both teams enjoyed spells of possession, but Ghana looked the more purposeful in attack and ended the half with the upper hand.

After the restart, Coach Desmond Ofei’s charges asserted their dominance, combining technical prowess with physical strength to neutralize Niger’s threats.

The game took a dramatic turn in the 67th minute when the referee pointed to the spot for a handball in the Niger box. The decision sparked protests from the Nigerien players, who momentarily walked off the pitch. Calm was restored following intervention from CAF officials, and play resumed.

Aziz Musibau made no mistake from the spot, converting the penalty in the 70th minute to put Ghana ahead.

The striker was on target again just eight minutes later, capping off a sharp attacking move. Kelvin Nkrumah delivered a precise low cross from the right, and Musibau applied the finishing touch from close range to complete his brace.

Ghana held firm in the final moments to close out the win and take home the bronze medal in the tournament’s inaugural edition.

A press release issued by the ECOWAS Commission on Monday, January 29, confirmed that their departure had taken effect, following a six-month grace period.

The statement also emphasized the importance of regional solidarity, urging both member and non-member states to recognize national passports and identity cards featuring the ECOWAS logo.

The ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) will remain in place, allowing trade between member and non-member states, while citizens of non-member countries will continue to enjoy visa-free movement and other benefits as per ECOWAS protocols.

Background

The decision for Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to leave ECOWAS follows military coups.

In Mali, a military coup in August 2020 ousted the elected government of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, which led to the country’s suspension from ECOWAS. Relations worsened following a second coup in 2021, resulting in Mali’s formal withdrawal from the regional body in 2022.

Burkina Faso experienced a similar trajectory, with a military coup in January 2022 followed by a second in September 2022, which further strained relations with ECOWAS and led to the country’s continued suspension.

Niger followed suit in July 2023, when President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted in a coup, prompting ECOWAS to suspend the country’s membership and impose sanctions.

While the main reason behind the departures cannot be established, many attributed it to the high cost of living, poor governance, and the daily frustrations their citizens endure in striving for sustainable lives.

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These countries formally requested to withdraw from ECOWAS in December 2024, accusing the regional body of failing to protect and defend its members while posing a threat to their sovereignty.

The tensions followed sanctions imposed by ECOWAS on the three countries due to a series of coups and the ongoing political instability in the region.

Despite these strained relations, Burkina Faso’s leader, Ibrahim Traoré, attended the swearing-in ceremony of John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, an event also attended by ECOWAS Chairperson Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In an interview with Citi News, Emmanuel Bensah urged ECOWAS to leverage Mahama’s relationship with Ibrahim Traoré to explore ways to restore peace and rebuild trust among the parties.

“It is an opportunity for President Mahama and ECOWAS to seize and see what can be done to bring them back, capitalizing on the popularity Mahama currently enjoys,” Bensah said.

“I just hope they will take the necessary steps and engage in important backdoor discussions with President Mahama and his team on what role he or his colleagues could play in facilitating the return of these countries to the bloc.”

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Three West African states ruled by military leaders have announced visa-free travel and residency rights for citizens in the 15-member regional bloc Ecowas, ahead of the trio leaving the group.

The leaders of the states – Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger – said the visa and residency decision had been taken in the spirit of friendship, and to strengthen centuries-old ties among African people.

The trio plan to withdraw from Ecowas in January after refusing the bloc’s demand to restore democratic rule.

Ecowas leaders are meeting in Nigeria to discuss the decision, with fears their withdrawal would be a major blow to regional unity and efforts to boost economic and security cooperation.

The Mena secured the win over the Black Stars in their final Group F match on Monday afternoon at the Accra Sports Stadium, leaving Ghana at the bottom of the group.

In his post-match comments, Zaki explained that his team approached the game with confidence, having studied Ghana’s recent performances in international tournaments.

“From the last AFCON, we knew that the Ghanaian team can score, but they also concede goals,” he remarked. “And our last match against Sudan gave us the confidence that we could do it.”

Niger’s triumph was unexpected, especially considering the significant challenges the team faced, according to Zaki.

“Most of my players are amateurs in Niger. For those outside, they traveled 18 hours before games and often arrived a day before the match,” he explained.

He also highlighted how logistical difficulties affected their preparations, particularly for away matches.

“Our flights often took over an hour, even from Lomé to Accra. If we had a plane that could make these trips in a shorter time, it would have helped a great deal,” Zaki added.

Despite these obstacles, Niger’s victory further compounded Ghana’s struggles, as the Black Stars ended the group stage without a win and finished last in Group F.

This defeat marks Ghana’s failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2004.

Ghana’s hopes of securing a spot at next year’s tournament in Morocco had already been dashed after a 1-1 draw with Angola last weekend at the Estádio 11 de Novembro. The result left the four-time African champions needing a win in their final match to salvage pride after a disappointing campaign.

Head coach Otto Addo made significant changes to his lineup for the game against Niger, aiming to end a five-match winless streak. However, the team struggled to find form once again. Niger took the lead in the 22nd minute through Ousseni Badamassi, who struck decisively to put his side ahead by halftime.

The Black Stars looked disjointed in the second half until the introduction of debutant Jerry Afriyie from Thought FC. Afriyie made an immediate impact, scoring in the 67th minute with a clinical finish from Ernest Nuamah’s cross to level the game.

Despite the equalizer, Niger reclaimed the lead in stoppage time when Oumar Sako found the back of the net in the 92nd minute. Ghana had a chance to salvage a point when awarded a penalty in the 96th minute, but Mohammed Kudus missed the spot-kick, sealing Ghana’s fate.

The loss leaves Ghana at the bottom of Group F with just three points from six games, marking their first failure to qualify for the AFCON in 21 years. Angola and Sudan advanced from the group to the tournament.

Attention now shifts to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where Ghana will face Chad and Madagascar in March 2025. Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association’s Executive Council is set to meet on Wednesday to discuss the team’s performance and future plans following this historic disappointment.

The new additions are Medeama SC right-back Kamaradini Mamudu, Heart of Lions defender Ebenezer Abban, and Thought FC forward Jerry Afriyie. Their inclusion aims to address the absence of key players, including Alidu Seidu, Gideon Mensah, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, and captain Jordan Ayew.

Mamudu has impressed in the Ghana Premier League this season, netting two goals in nine appearances from his right-back position and earning a Man of the Match award.

Abban, a center-back for Heart of Lions, has been a standout performer, playing in all 11 league games and helping his team climb to third place in the standings.

Afriyie, whose call-up has been widely anticipated, has made significant strides with the Ghana Under-20 team. He was part of the Black Satellites squad that clinched gold at the 2024 African Games and was named both best player and top scorer at the WAFU Zone B U-20 Cup of Nations in Togo.

The trio will join the Black Stars’ training session on Sunday, competing for a chance to feature in Monday’s match. Ghana, currently with just three points from five games, is determined to end the qualifiers on a strong note.

The game against Niger will kick off at 16:00 GMT.

According to a statement by the GFA, Alidu Seidu and Gideon Mensah, who had to pass late fitness tests for the Angola game, have been ruled out after further post-game medical assessments revealed they are unfit for selection.

Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku sustained injuries during the Angola match. Although Ayew completed the game, MRI scans in Accra revealed significant issues with his knee. Issahaku, on the other hand, was substituted in the first half due to his injury.

Following consultations between Black Stars’ medical head Dr. Prince Pambo and Leicester City’s medical team, Ayew and Issahaku will rejoin their respective clubs on Sunday to begin rehabilitation.

Ghana will not participate in the 2025 AFCON tournament after drawing 1-1 with Angola on Friday. After five games, the Black Stars sit fourth in Group F with three points. With no chance of progress, the match against Niger now holds no significance for Ghana as they remain bottom of Group F.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars will hold their final training session on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium.

This marks the first time in 21 years that Ghana will miss the Africa Cup of Nations.

The match saw Niger take an early lead in the 6th minute with a goal from Daniel Sosah, who plays for Kryvbas in Ukraine’s top league.

Youssef Oumarou doubled their advantage, and Sosah extended their lead with a penalty, making it 3-0.

Despite a second-half push by Sudan, led by coach Kwesi Appiah, the Falcons of Jediane could not recover, with Ousseini Badamassi adding a fourth for Niger.

The win lifts Niger to third place in Group F with four points from five matches, behind already-qualified Angola and Sudan, who have 12 and 7 points, respectively.

For Ghana, the result is a significant boost. Had Sudan earned a point, Ghana would have been officially eliminated from the tournament. Now sitting at the bottom of the group, the Black Stars still have a chance to qualify.

A win against Angola in their next match will elevate them to third place with five points, just two behind Sudan and one above Niger.

Ghana’s path to qualification will hinge on a victory over Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, November 18, 2024, combined with a favorable result for Angola against Sudan.

If those conditions are met, the Black Stars could leapfrog Sudan to claim the final qualification spot in Group F.

The players – Razak Simpson, Isaac Afful, and Emmanuel Antwi – are in Ghana’s squad for the upcoming matches against Angola and Niger.

Local players often receive limited playing time on the national team, but Manso argues that with Ghana’s low 10 percent chance of qualifying, it’s time to give these players an opportunity.

In an interview with Asempa FM, Manso said, “The local players invited by Otto Addo should be given the chance to play against Angola and Niger.”

“Our chances of qualifying for AFCON are about 10 percent, so I think the local players in the squad deserve an opportunity to prove themselves,” he explained.

Manso also believes that showcasing local talent on the national stage would boost the Ghana Premier League and inspire other players to aim for the Black Stars.

“It would be beneficial for the Ghana Premier League and motivate other players to work harder,” he added.

The Black Stars will travel to Luanda today for their match against Angola on Friday, November 15, at Estádio 11 de Novembro. They’ll then return to Accra to host Niger on Monday, November 18, at the Accra Sports Stadium.

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The Ghana Football Association (GFA) issued a statement revealing that the players had pulled out for various reasons.

The players affected are Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Jonas Adjetey, Tariq Lamptey, Jerome Opoku, Alexander Djiku, Ibrahim Osman, and Joseph Painstil.

Here are the reasons for each player’s withdrawal:

• Inaki Williams: Suffered a hamstring injury on November 7 and has been unable to train since.
• Tariq Lamptey: Dealing with aggravated calf discomfort and is currently undergoing rehabilitation with his club.
• Jonas Adjetey: Was recovering from an injury but experienced a setback during a league match on November 9, 2024.
• Jerome Opoku: Experiencing chronic back pain, which worsened during a match against Besiktas on November 10. He is undergoing rehab with his club.
• Antoine Semenyo: Recovering from a patellar tendon injury caused by an overload of games. His club’s medical team has advised consulting a tendon specialist to prevent further damage.
• Alexander Djiku: Aggravated an existing hamstring injury during a match on November 10, 2024, and had to be substituted.
• Ibrahim Osman: Picked up a hamstring injury in his most recent match, leading to his substitution at halftime.
• Joseph Painstil: Withdrew for personal reasons.

The Black Stars will open their camp today and hold their first training session at the Accra Sports Stadium at 17:00 GMT, which will be open to the public. The team will have a final training session on Tuesday before flying to Luanda on Wednesday.

Ghana will face Angola on November 15 at the Estádio 11 de Novembro and then take on Niger Republic three days later at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Currently, the Black Stars sit in third place in Group F with just two points from their four matches, trailing both Angola and Sudan.

A squad of 25 players will gather at the Accra Sports Stadium for a series of practice sessions before heading to Luanda on Wednesday, November 13.

Their next match is set for Friday, November 15, when Ghana will face Angola at the Estádio 11 de Novembro.

Following this away fixture, the Black Stars will return to Accra to host Niger on Monday, November 18, at the Accra Sports Stadium for their final group game.

Currently, Ghana stands third in Group F with just two points from four matches, making their qualification path difficult. They trail second-place Sudan by five points and group leaders Angola by ten points.

To keep their AFCON hopes alive, Ghana must secure victories in both remaining games and rely on Sudan dropping points.

If Sudan manages even a draw in their last matches, Ghana’s chance of making their first AFCON appearance in two decades will come to an end.

In the absence of Thomas Partey, who has been left out of the squad, Jordan Ayew will captain the team for these crucial games.

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The Black Stars will wrap up their qualifying campaign against Angola, who have already secured qualification, and Niger, who are at the bottom of the group, next week.

Ghana will first travel to Luanda to face Angola at the Estádio 11 de Novembro on November 15, 2024, before returning home to play Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on November 18, 2024.

During Thursday’s squad announcement, Addo confirmed Jordan Ayew as the new captain, taking over the role in the absence of Andre Ayew and Thomas Partey.

This decision follows a recent discussion between Addo and Ayew, who currently plays for Leicester City.

Earlier in October, Addo had appointed West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus as captain for the double-header against Sudan, a decision that faced significant criticism after Ghana’s disappointing results—a 0-0 draw and a 2-0 loss, which damaged the team’s qualification hopes.

With Partey now unavailable, Jordan Ayew will lead the team in the upcoming crucial matches. Ghana currently sits winless after four games, with a 1-0 loss to Angola and a 1-1 draw with Niger.

In the previous double-header against Sudan, the Black Stars drew 0-0 at home before losing 2-0 in Libya.

To have any chance of qualifying, Ghana must win both remaining matches and hope that Sudan loses their upcoming games against Niger and Angola.

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The announcement was made Thursday afternoon at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Conference Room.

Notable absentees from the squad include Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, who missed the previous doubleheader against Sudan, and AS Monaco defender Mohammed Salisu, who has also been left out.

The squad includes three players from the Ghana Premier League: Isaac Afful (FC Samartex), Emmanuel Antwi (Asante Kotoko), and Razak Simpson (Nations FC).

Addo has named a strong contingent of senior players, including Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Kudus, Inaki Williams, and Jordan Ayew, all of whom are set to play key roles in the upcoming matches.

Squad below:

The Black Stars will face Angola in Luanda on November 15 at the Estádio 11 de Novembro, followed by a home fixture against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on November 18.

Ghana, currently 3rd in Group F with just two points after four matches, must secure victories in both games and hope for Sudan to lose to both Niger and Angola to have any chance of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The game is scheduled for Monday, November 18, 2024, against Niger.

This stadium previously hosted the Black Stars’ first leg against Sudan last month after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) revoked the license for the Baba Yara Stadium.

Before facing Niger, Ghana will play away against Angola in the fifth matchday in Luanda. Currently, the Black Stars are determined to secure a victory after a challenging start to the qualifiers, which has left them in third place in Group F, with only two points from four matches.

Otto Addo’s squad trails Angola, the group leaders, by ten points and is five points behind second-placed Sudan. Ghana’s chances of qualification are no longer entirely in their control; to keep their hopes alive, they must win their remaining matches against both Niger and Angola while hoping that Sudan loses both of its upcoming games.

Sudan, coached by Kwesi Appiah, needs just one point to clinch qualification.

Next year’s 2025 AFCON tournament will be held in Morocco.

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This statement follows a 1-1 draw between the Black Stars and Niger in their second Group F match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers last month, which came on the heels of a defeat to Angola.

During a meeting with the players on Tuesday, Okraku expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing that Niger should not have been able to earn points against Ghana.

“Four or five players from the Niger squad wouldn’t even make it onto my team. That’s the reality. Yet, we ended up with a 1-1 draw against Niger,” he stated.

He went on to critique the performance of the Black Stars, saying, “What we observed was a team lacking energy, passion, and the will to compete. This is unacceptable.”

The Black Stars are set to continue their qualification campaign with a doubleheader against Sudan.

Ghana will host the Falcons for the first leg on Thursday, October 10, kicking off at 16:00 GMT, before travelling to Libya for the return match on Monday, October 14, at the Martyrs of February Stadium.

Currently, Ghana is positioned third in Group F with just one point.

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Ghana, four-time African champions, were leading by a single goal when Addo substituted Majeed Ashimeru for Elisha Owusu, a decision Arhinful found questionable.

In an interview, Arhinful expressed his concerns, stating that Owusu’s introduction had little impact on the game. He suggested that Addo should have waited until the final minutes to make such a defensive change.

“When Ashimeru was substituted, I was watching with my brother, and I said I didn’t understand why Owusu was brought on at that moment. Let’s ask ourselves, what did Owusu contribute when he came on? He could have been brought on with two or three minutes remaining,” Arhinful told Peace FM.

He continued, “At the time Ashimeru was taken off, we were leading by just one goal. Were we trying to protect that lead? We had more possession, but what was the result of that dominance? The goal was to create chances, and although we had some half chances, we were sitting too deep in our half.”

Reflecting on previous performances, Arhinful highlighted the game against Angola and questioned the roles of players like Elisha Owusu and Thomas Partey, saying, “I don’t know what instructions they’re being given, but the team needs to reassess and find a solution.”

Ghana had taken the lead through Alidu Seidu, who scored with an assist from Mohammed Kudus, but Niger equalized thanks to a goal from defender Oumar Sako.

After two games, the Black Stars are in third place with just one point, having previously suffered a 1-0 loss to Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Otto Addo’s team will look for their first victory in October when they face Sudan, led by Kwesi Appiah, in a crucial doubleheader.

After their first two qualifying matches, Ghana sits third in Group F with just one point.

The team began the qualifiers with a 1-0 loss to Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium last Thursday, followed by a 1-1 draw against Niger on Monday at the Stade Municipal de Berkane.

In a post-match interview, a frustrated Addo acknowledged the tough road ahead but emphasized the need for improvement.

“So it’s still possible but we have to improve, we have to improve much. We have to improve to use our chances and also to defend better in detail and to learn our lessons,” he told the Ghana FA website.

“Like I said, the goals are too cheap and we have to grow from this. We have to learn from this. This is even more than a wake-up call,” he added.

The Black Stars will face Kwesi Appiah’s Sudan in a doubleheader scheduled for October.

Source: Samuel Ekow Amoasi Appiah

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Ghana’s chance to secure their first win in the qualifiers slipped away as Niger scored a late equalizer at the Stade Municipal de Berkane, ending the game level.

In his post-match remarks, Addo was candid about his dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly in the final moments of the match.

“Definitely not, I am not satisfied at all,” he told the Ghana FA website. “I am really disappointed, to be honest. We talked and we trained on set pieces, we talked about situations which could happen and the way they defended in the last 10 minutes was really, really bad.

“I think in general we had the game under control. We allowed sometimes some counter situations where we don’t close the gaps really well and then we got the lead. I think from that point things were easier,” he added.

Ghana’s sole goal came from defender Alidu Seidu, who scored in the 44th minute with a powerful shot, assisted by Mohammed Kudus.

Niger equalized in the 81st minute when Oumar Sako found the back of the net with an assist from Moussa Kassa Moudou.

With this result, the Black Stars are now in 3rd place in the group with just one point from two matches.

Ghana will face a crucial doubleheader against Sudan in October as they aim for qualification.

Source: Samuel Ekow Amoasi Appiah

Ghana, under coach Otto Addo, was aiming for a crucial victory after suffering a 1-0 defeat in their opening match against Angola. The team made key changes, with Inaki Williams and Majeed Ashimeru introduced to the starting lineup.

The Black Stars started the match strongly, with Williams coming close to scoring early on. Despite their promising start, they struggled to create clear chances until the 44th minute, when Alidu Seidu’s deflected shot found the back of the net, giving Ghana a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi was called into action early in the match, making a critical save to deny a long-range effort from Niger in the 16th minute. Mohammed Kudus also had a chance to score, but his effort was blocked.

After the break, Niger came out with renewed energy, putting pressure on Ghana’s defense.

Despite the Black Stars’ struggles in buildup play, they remained composed. Kudus had another chance to extend the lead after a clever pass from Inaki Williams, but Niger’s goalkeeper made a vital stop. Williams himself nearly scored minutes later, but his shot was also saved.

Niger’s persistence paid off in the 80th minute when Oumar Sako equalized after a scramble in the Ghanaian box. The Mena held on for the remainder of the match to secure a point.

The draw leaves Ghana with just one point from their opening two matches, placing them third in Group F of the AFCON qualifiers.

The Black Stars will now turn their attention to their upcoming doubleheader against Sudan in October, as they seek to revive their qualifying campaign.

In their second Group F match, set to take place at the Municipal Stadium in Berkane, Ghana will face off against the Super Eagles.

Majeed Ashimeru and Inaki Williams have been introduced into the lineup, replacing Elisha Owusu and Jordan Ayew.

The defense remains unchanged, with Tariq Lamptey and Alidu Seidu as the full-backs and Salisu Mohammed paired with Abdul Mumin in central defense.

Thomas Partey will lead from midfield, joined by Majeed Ashimeru and Mohammed Kudus.

Up front, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Antoine Semenyo, and Inaki Williams will form the attacking trio.

The Black Stars are looking for a victory to revive their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign following a defeat to Angola on Thursday. The match is set to start at 16:00 GMT.

Starting XI below:

The four-time African champions will face the Super Eagles in their second Group F match later today at the Stade Municipal de Berkane, with kickoff scheduled for 16:00 GMT.

Ahead of the match, the 45-year-old coach expressed strong belief in his team’s chances but also emphasized the need for focus and concentration.

“This game, we are surely the favourites and I am very, very confident that we will win this game. But in football, anything can happen,” the coach said.

“We saw it last time against Angola, the way the game looked. I never thought we would lose this game, but in football now there is no weak opponent.

“So we have to be focused, we have to be concentrated, we have to do our job. Then the probability that we win is very, very high,” he added.

Ghana began their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Angola last Thursday at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Source: Samuel Ekow Amoasi Appiah

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Ghana is set to face Niger later today at the Stade Municipal de Berkane, with kick-off at 16:00 GMT.

Addo’s squad is aiming to bounce back after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Angola in their opening qualifier at the Baba Yara Stadium last Thursday.

Reflecting on the Angola loss, Addo acknowledged that it impacted the team’s morale.

“Everyone was down,” he revealed in his pre-match interview. “I felt the same way after the match, but the following day, I received a lot of positive feedback from friends, family, and even some press. It made me realize we didn’t play badly—it was just an unlucky game.”

The 45-year-old coach said this feedback helped restore his confidence, and he worked to instill that belief in his players during training sessions in the lead-up to today’s match.

“That positive sign gave me confidence, and I tried to share that with the team over the last few days. It seems to have worked,” Addo said.

He added that the team had worked on both their defensive and offensive play during two training sessions in Morocco and looked sharp going into the critical game against Niger.

“We are the favourites for this match, and I am very confident we will win,” he stated. “But football is unpredictable. We saw that against Angola, where we didn’t expect to lose, but no opponent is weak anymore.”

Addo emphasized the importance of focus and discipline ahead of the match, urging his players to stay concentrated on their tasks to secure the win.

“If we stay focused and do our jobs, our chances of winning are very high,” Addo concluded.

Source: Samuel Ekow Amoasi Appiah

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Both teams will be eager to secure their first victory in the qualifiers, following defeats in their opening games.

Ghana’s campaign began with a shocking home loss to Angola last Thursday, just a day after Niger were defeated by Sudan in their group opener.

Niger’s 1-0 loss to Sudan in the Group F curtain-raiser saw former Bradford City midfielder Abo Eisa score the decisive goal in the 51st minute at Juba Stadium.

Niger, ranked 125th in the latest FIFA rankings, have struggled in recent times, losing eight of their last nine competitive games.

This poor run also saw them drop to third place in Group E of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

As coach Zaki Badou’s men look to kick-start their qualification campaign, they face a tough challenge against a Ghanaian side that remains unbeaten in 12 of their last 14 encounters, having secured 11 wins and one draw since February 1969.

Niger’s last AFCON appearance was in 2013, where they exited at the group stage with just one point from three games.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s 24-year unbeaten streak at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium came to an end with their 1-0 defeat to Angola, courtesy of a stoppage-time goal from Red Star Belgrade forward Milson.

Before this loss, Ghana had enjoyed an unbeaten run of four competitive games, including victories over Mali and the Central African Republic in the World Cup qualifiers.

Otto Addo’s side sits second in Group I, level on points with leaders Comoros.

Having qualified for the last 10 AFCON tournaments since 2004, Addo will be hoping to see a positive response from his team as they aim to get their qualification campaign back on track.

Ghana have been solid away from home recently, remaining unbeaten in five of their last six competitive matches, with their only defeat coming against Comoros in November 2023.

Team News

Despite their loss to Sudan, Niger are expected to field an unchanged lineup, with defenders Abdel Rahim Alhassane, Abdoulaye Boureima Katore, Philippe Boueye, and Najeeb Yakubu likely to form the back four again. Forward Daniel Sosah, who has scored four goals in 19 appearances, will lead the attack.

For Ghana, Premier League stars Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, and Jordan Ayew are likely to spearhead the offense. Captain Thomas Partey, who has been a key figure for Arsenal, is expected to partner Elisha Owusu in midfield. The defensive lineup should include Alidu Seidu, Mohammed Salisu, Abdul Mumin, and Tariq Lamptey, with Lawrence Ati-Zigi in goal.

Jerome Opoku has been ruled out with an injury, while Joseph Paintsil missed the trip due to visa issues.

Head-to-Head

Ghana has dominated the previous 13 meetings between the two nations, winning 12 times, with one draw and one loss.

Form Guide

• Niger’s form: L L W L L D L
• Ghana’s form: L D L D W W L

Predicted Lineups

• Niger: Hainikoye, Alhassane, Katore, Boueye, Yakubu, Oumarou, Moussa, Diabate, Abraham, Sosah, Goumey
• Ghana: Ati-Zigi, Seidu, Salisu, Mumin, Lamptey, Partey, Ashimeru, Issahaku, Kudus, Semenyo, Ayew

Prediction

• Niger 1-2 Ghana

Coach Otto Addo’s team is seeking to secure their first win of the qualifiers, following a 1-0 defeat to Angola last Thursday at the Baba Yara Stadium.

A total of 22 players participated in the Sunday session. However, defender Jerome Opoku of Istanbul Basaksehir withdrew from the squad due to injury, while LA Galaxy winger Joseph Paintsil is also expected to miss the match due to passport-related issues.

Among those training were goalkeepers Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Wollacott, and Frederick Asare, as well as defenders Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey, Mohammed Salisu, and Abdul Mumin.

Key midfielders and attackers like Fatawu Issahaku, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, and Elisha Owusu—who all featured in the starting lineup against Angola—were also present.

Majeed Ashimeru, Forson Amankwah, Inaki Williams, Kingsley Schindler, and Brandon Thomas-Asante, who came off the bench in the previous match, completed the session along with Jonas Adjetey, Ibrahim Osman, Ebenezer Annan, and Abu Francis.

The Black Stars will take on Niger at the Municipal Sports Complex in Berkane, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 GMT.

A total of 22 players participated in the session following the withdrawal of Istanbul Basaksehir defender Jerome Opoku due to injury.

LA Galaxy winger, Joseph Paintsil was absent as he remained in Accra to resolve passport issues, leaving coach Otto Addo with a slightly reduced squad for the crucial match.

Among those who trained were goalkeepers Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Wollacott, and Frederick Asare, alongside defenders Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey, Mohammed Salisu, and Abdul Mumin.

Midfielders Fatawu Issahaku, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, and forwards Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, and Elisha Owusu—who all started in last Thursday’s game against Angola—also took part in the training.

Bench players from the previous match, including Majeed Ashimeru, Forson Amankwah, Inaki Williams, Kingsley Schindler, and Brandon Thomas-Asante, joined the session, along with Jonas Adjetey, Ibrahim Osman, Ebenezer Annan, and Abu Francis.

The Black Stars will face Niger at the Municipal Sports Complex in Berkane on Monday, September 9, 2024, as they aim to secure their first win of the qualifiers, following a 1-0 defeat against Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 16:00GMT.

The four-time African champions began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Thursday at Baba Yara Stadium with a game against Angola.

Unfortunately, they were defeated 1-0 by a late goal from Milson, leaving Angola with all three points.

The Black Stars are now heading to Berkane, Morocco, with their match against Niger scheduled for Monday, September 9, at the Stade Municipal de Berkane, kick-off at 16:00 GMT.

Otto Addo and his team will have two days of training before facing the Menas of Niger.

Currently sitting 3rd in the group with no points from their loss to Angola, Ghana will be aiming to secure their first points of the campaign against Niger.

The Fenerbahce player, who competes in the Turkish Super Lig, was forced to leave the field during a match against Alanyaspor on Friday evening after suffering a thigh injury in the 61st minute.

Initial medical scans revealed that Djiku sustained a Grade One strain in the quadriceps muscle of his right thigh, which will require 10-14 days for recovery. As a result, he will be unavailable for the AFCON qualifiers.

Djiku was originally included in Otto Addo’s 23-man squad for Ghana’s matches against Angola and Niger.

Since his debut for Ghana in October 2020, the hard working centre-back has made 31 appearances for the Black Stars.

Ghana is set to host Angola’s Palancas Negras in their first Group F match at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5, before travelling to Berkane to face Niger in their second group game on September 9.

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This information was confirmed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in an announcement made on the official X page of the Black Stars on Wednesday evening.

The announcement stated, “Our Head Coach Otto Addo will address the media this Thursday, August 29th, at noon to reveal the squad for our upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Angola and Niger.”

The squad announcement will take place in the Conference Room of the Ghana FA.

Otto Addo’s selection for the matches against Angola and Niger is anticipated to include top players such as Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, and Jordan Ayew.

However, reports suggest that no players from the Ghana Premier League will be included in the squad.

Meanwhile, Ernest Nuamah and Forson Amankwah are expected to be left out of the squad for the games.

The Black Stars are hoping to continue their impressive performance against Angola and Niger having recorded back-to-back wins against Mali and Central African Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June earlier this year.

Ghana will face Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5, before travelling to Niger for the second Group F match four days later.

Nuamah picked up the injury during Olympique Lyon’s Ligue 1 clash against AS Monaco on Saturday.

He was substituted in the 18th minute by Georges Mikautadze, and Lyon subsequently lost the match 2-0, leaving them at the bottom of the league table with no points.

The severity of Nuamah’s injury is still being assessed, but it is expected to sideline him for Ghana’s upcoming qualifiers against Angola and Niger in September.

The Black Stars are scheduled to play Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5 and then travel to Niger for their second match on September 9.

Otto Addo, who is the head coach of the team has already submitted his squad for these crucial qualifiers to the Executive Council of Ghana’s football governing body.

However, reports suggest that no players from the Ghana Premier League have been included in the squad.

Addo is anticipated to deploy a strong lineup as Ghana strives to qualify for the AFCON, which will be hosted in Morocco next year.

The Black Stars are aiming to build on their recent success, having secured consecutive victories against Mali and the Central African Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June.

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Drawn into Group F alongside Ghana, Angola, and Sudan, Zaki assessed the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents following the draw.

Speaking to CAFOnline, Zaki acknowledged Ghana’s footballing pedigree but noted a decline in their previous dominance and described it as favourable for Niger’s prospects.

“We are in an affordable group. We have every chance of qualifying,” he said. “For me, Ghana is a football country with a selection with great professionals. But it is not the team of 5 or 6 years ago. Even at home, they can lose,” he said.

Zaki highlighted Angola’s recent impressive performances and Sudan’s top position in their World Cup qualifying group as further challenges.

“Angola showed a good face during the last CAN and beautiful football, modern, fast football.

“It is a selection that has shaken up the big teams in Côte d’Ivoire. I know Sudan very well. They are first in their qualifying group for the World Cup. They will be dangerous, but we know our strengths and we know that we can go far,” he added.

Niger’s campaign kicks off with matches against Sudan and Ghana in September 2024, marking the start of their journey towards the AFCON 2025.

Niger’s ruling junta in April ordered the U.S. to withdraw its nearly 1,000 military personnel from the country following a coup last year in the West African nation.

“Thanks to effective cooperation and communication between the Nigerian and American armed forces, this operation was completed ahead of schedule and without any complications,” Niger’s defence ministry and the U.S. Department of Defense said in a joint statement.

The focus will next shift to withdrawal from the $100 million drone base near Agadez in central Niger, which had provided crucial intelligence about jihadist-linked groups, U.S. Air Force Major General Kenneth Ekman said on Friday.

The pullout from that base, known as Air Base 201, will likely take place in August, he said.

Niger’s ruling junta has given the U.S. until Sept. 15 to remove troops from its territory.

In April, Russia sent military trainers to Niger.

Niger and its military-led neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso signed a confederation treaty on Saturday, signalling an ever-closer alignment between the countries in the insurgency-torn central Sahel.

They have torn up defence agreements with U.S., European and United Nations forces.

Ghana will come up against Angola, Sudan, and Niger.

Astonishingly, Otto Addo and his charges will come up against Sudan, led by former Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah.

Appiah, now at Sudan’s helm, currently leads Group B in the World Cup qualifiers, where they contend with Senegal.

The group winner secures direct qualification to the prestigious AFCON tournament.

The qualifiers have been scheduled to kick off in September 2024, with 24 teams vying for spots among the final 48 contenders.

Ghana, four-time champions of AFCON with their last triumph in 1982, aims to end a 42-year drought under new coach Otto Addo.

The team recently showed promise with consecutive victories in the World Cup qualifiers last month.

Scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations promises to be a significant event for the Black Stars’ aspirations.

Ghana’s Group

This development was met with mixed feelings in the sub-region as while others were excited, many received it with fear, panic and anguished.

Those who expressed joy solidarized with leadership and population of these countries on ground of their legitimate concerns including neglect, unfair treatment, abandonment in times of need in the face of terrorism attacks and threats.

Also bizarre was sanctions place on them without regards to the mode of the population and humanitarian consequences.

This posture demonstrated a complete absence of the spirit of ECOWAS brotherhood and the bloc ignored the causes and / unconstitutional behaviour of the civilian regimes resulting in the military take over and focused on the unconstitutional rule of the military.

In the view of member states and their population, it’s amounted to endorsing bad governance, abuse of public trust, basic principles underpinning the sub regional bloc and complete dictatorship which is affront to democracy.

For those of us who felt sad about their exist, our concerns were largely the immediate, medium to long term consequences such as insecurity resulting from further terrorist threat, possible lack of intelligence sharing, hunger and starvation within the region because of a possible retaliation to the sanctions ECOWAS imposed on those military leaders.

A likely retaliatory measure might be a trade ban and /or restrictions on certain Agric produce such as pepper, onion, tomatoes, etc including animal and their products.

Theses countries have comparative advantage of these crops than any other west African country and the sub region must watch out.

What is rather curious is the laxity and manner in which ECOWAS didn’t see this coming and likely consequences to its population and bloc.

In the view of LACPSA GHANA, the early warning signals were clear and required remorseful preventive diplomacy for the purposes of the interest of the population and common ECOWAS brotherhood.

Their exit has left the already vulnerable sub regional body further troubled . If ECOWAS cant see this coming, we will doubtful the sincerity of that because it didn’t require much to know, feel and notice that trouble was knocking at the doors of Heads of state and authority of government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

They either ignored the signs or call their blof. Either of them was a mistake and will impact the stability and authority of the regional group for a very long to come.

Partly because the control and command structure of the ECOWAS authority is broken down and it will be hard to tell which country will be next to follow (exist) and all the ongoing and exit diplomatic efforts, mediation and other accords with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger has come to nothing now.

The joint communique sent out to Heads of state and authority of government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the ECOWAS Commission and their failure to take every step to keep the union and /or brotherhood together amounts to reneging on their responsibilities to the states and the population of West Africa.

This brings to sharp focus the immediate implications of the ECOWAS brotherhood which exist within and between these countries in the sharp region.

It is going to be uncordial, in the area of business and movements within and between the 3 countries.

Aside compulsory visa acquisitions and work permits requirements, a lot of protocols will change and the various ambassadorial office will have to be adjusted to meet the new protocol demands.

It’s interesting to be treated by your own brother like a stranger in the case of the new relationship between ECOWAS and the breakaway team. It’s obvious that our diplomatic relationship with the 3 countries in the immediate pass will depend larges on their business and trade relations with ECOWAS.

This is so crucial because the 3 countries are hardworking in the area of Agric and countries like Ghana, and few others in the subregion depend on the for basic ideas like onions, tomatoes, pepper .

They have comparative advantage when it comes to these business and. Until Ghana and her peers engage in an aggressive production of these products, the 3 countries will continue to determine the direction of trade to the disadvantage of the states and populations..

Also, the exist of these 3 countries has left the sub regional group more vulnerable in the area of joint security operations and organized crime in the common interest of the stability of the region.

This is because the new bloc will depend, assert, relate and share a lot in common with their newly found external friends which might not express same vision and objective with their former ECOWAS brothers.

“The government of Niger, taking into account the aspirations and interests of its people, decides with full responsibility to denounce with immediate effect the agreement relating to the status of military  personnel of the United States and civilian employees of the American Department of Defense in the territory of the Republic of Niger,” Niger military spokesman Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane said in a statement on national television announcing the change.

Abdramane added that the agreement between the two countries – signed in 2012, was imposed on Niger and had been in violation of the “constitutional and democratic rules” of the West African nation’s sovereignty.

“This agreement is not only profoundly unfair in its substance but it also does not meet the aspirations and interests of the Nigerien people,” he said.

Niger was once a key regional partner for the US, but relations have deteriorated since the military junta claimed power in July 2023 in what the US formally designated as a coup.

Since then, the US has withdrawn many of its 1,100 troops who were stationed in Niger.

Senior Pentagon officials believe that keeping a presence in Niger is vital to efforts to tackle terrorism in the region. In October, the Pentagon said it was still assessing how the change would impact approximately 1,000 US forces stationed in the country.

In a letter sent to Congress in December 2023, President Joe Biden noted that approximately 648 US  military personnel remain deployed to Niger.

‘Condescending attitude’

The announcement comes after a senior US delegation’s three-day visit to Niger this week.

Abdramane said that the US delegation was received out of “courtesy” and “did not respect diplomatic practices” by not providing information regarding the date of its arrival, the composition of the delegation and the purpose of the visit.

During meetings, Nigerien and American officials discussed the military transition in Niger and military cooperation between the two countries, Abdramane said.

“The government of Niger regrets the desire of the American delegation to deny the Nigerien people the right to choose their partners and the types of partnerships capable of helping them truly fight against terrorists,” Abdramane said.

Abdramane said Niger “forcefully denounces the condescending attitude” of the US.

“This attitude is likely to undermine the quality of our centuries-old relations and undermine the trust between our two governments,” he said.

He also rejected what he said were allegations of a secret deal made between Niger, Russia, and Iran.

CNN said it has reached out to the US Department of Defense for comment.

The announcement was made by Niger’s Army chief, Moussa Salaou Barmou, during a televised address in Niamey on Wednesday, following discussions between the three nations.

While specific details regarding the size and operational framework of the joint force were not provided, it is evident that the escalating activities of groups affiliated with both Islamic State and al-Qaeda have prompted this collaborative effort.

These extremist organizations have inflicted significant casualties in the region over the past year, necessitating a coordinated response.

In recent months, the military administrations of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have been forging closer ties, culminating in the establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) last September.

This mutual defense pact superseded their involvement in the international G5 force and underscores their commitment to addressing the security challenges within the Sahel region.

Despite assurances from the military regimes to confront the decade-long conflict with jihadist elements, violence in the Sahel has persisted and even intensified in recent years.

The withdrawal of French military presence, along with the termination of UN peacekeeping mission Minusma in Mali, has left a void that these nations are endeavoring to fill through strengthened ties with Russia.

Moreover, the decision to exit the West African economic bloc ECOWAS signifies a significant shift in geopolitical alignments.

Although the military regimes had faced suspension and sanctions from ECOWAS, recent efforts towards dialogue have led to the partial lifting or easing of some sanctions.

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Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso “decide in complete sovereignty on the immediate withdrawal” from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), read a joint statement published on Sunday.

ECOWAS “under the influence of foreign powers, betraying its founding principles, has become a threat to its member states and its population”, read the statement.

The three countries accused the regional body of failing to support their fight against “terrorism and insecurity”, while imposing “illegal, illegitimate, inhumane and irresponsible sanctions”.

Ties between the three nations and ECOWAS have been strained since military power grabs took place in Mali in 2020 and 2021, in Burkina Faso in 2022 and in Niger in 2023.

The regional body reacted by suspending all three countries and imposed heavy sanctions on Niger and Mali.

On Friday, Niger tried to amend ties with ECOWAS by inviting its representatives to the capital Niamey, but only representation from Togo showed up.

“There is bad faith within this organisation,” lamented Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, Niger’s army-appointed prime minister.

Military leaderships in the three nations have vowed to tackle the rise of violent armed groups in their countries and have joined forces in the so-called “Alliance of Sahel States”.

The three countries have cut military ties with France, the former colonial power. France once had a strong presence across the Sahel, but announced the withdrawal of its troops from the three countries after the coups.

The French military withdrawal and economic sanctions on already fragile economies have heightened concern that armed groups could spread southwards towards the relatively stable coastal countries of Ghana, Togo, Benin and Ivory Coast.

West Africa recorded more than 1,800 attacks in the first six months of 2023, resulting in nearly 4,600 deaths and creating dire humanitarian consequences. According to an ECOWAS top regional official, this was just “a snippet of the horrendous impact of insecurity”.

The three states are all ruled by military groups, following coups that have led to fears for the future of democracy in the region.

Mali’s leader announced on Saturday, the signing of a charter, establishing the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

“The objective sought by the charter is the creation of an architecture of collective defence, and mutual support between the contracting parties,” the document said.

Under the charter, the parties pledge to fight terrorism and organized crime, it says. “Any violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of one or more Contracting Parties, shall be considered as aggression against the other Contracting Parties, and shall oblige all Contracting Parties to provide assistance and redress … including the use of armed force.”

Burkina Faso’s interim president, Ibrahim Traoré, and Niger’s de facto leader Abdourahmane Tchiani, were also present at the signing of the document, photos released on Saturday showed.

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have long struggled with Islamist terror groups, that carry out bloody attacks against civilians and increasingly control of the territory.

Meanwhile, all three nations have seen political turbulence, most recently, Niger, where the military took power in July. There was a coup in Burkina Faso last year, and Mali’s most recent coup was in 2021.

Mali and Burkina Faso sided with the country’s new leaders, after Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) threatened military intervention to restore order, sparking instability in the region.

All three states are also pivoting away from former colonial power France, which previously provided military aid and anti-terror support.

Mali increasingly works with Russia’s Wagner mercenaries, to maintain order and fight terror.

The security situation is now seen as more precarious in the three nations. The number of attacks in Mali may grow, as the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA prepares to withdraw by the end of the year, and there is also the threat of a renewed conflict with the Tuareg, a separatist group.

Niger, the last democratic partner of the US and European states in the region, has also largely suspended cooperation with foreign partners since the coup.

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According to the Conference, while they are equally concerned about the situation in Niger as it has the potential to fuel even further anarchy and insecurity in the region, the use of military force to remedy the situation should not even be contemplated.

“It is the position of the Conference that the idea of an ECOWAS military intervention for the restoration of constitutional regime in Niger should not even be contemplated,” it said.

In a statement signed by the President of the Conference, Most Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, it said such an intervention could further exacerbate an already tense situation putting vulnerable populations into peril.

“We should note that already Mali and Burkina Faso have dispatched warplanes to Niger in response to a potential military intervention by ECOWAS. Moreover, Burkina Faso has threatened to withdraw from ECOWAS if the bloc intervenes militarily in Niger.

“In line with the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ (cf. John 14:27), we, as a Conference, are opposed to any military intervention against the coup makers in Niger, as this will exacerbate the already precarious situation in that country where civilians such as women, children, aged, weak and vulnerable in society are bearing the biggest brunt of the chaotic situation,” it said.

The Conference has thus urged the regional bloc to explore and exhaust all diplomatic avenues to avoid bloodshed and chaos.

“This will require further engagements with the coup leaders to discuss a concrete roadmap for the situation. The Conference is confident that this approach will enable all parties and the mediators to speedily design long lasting solutions to the situation in Niger.”

It added that “The Conference, as a member of the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA), made up of the Catholic Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops in West Africa, reiterates the position of RECOWA, which calls for restraint on the part of the ECOWAS leaders for the use of force to restore constitutional regime in Niger.

“The Conference further urges the government of Ghana to refrain from the use of force and likewise urges its colleague leaders to do same.”

Meanwhile, the Conference has urged African leaders and their people “to review the system of governance in the continent to be inclusive, human-centred and one which creates opportunities for all to promote the national and continental development agenda.”

“May our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), guide all persons, including the coup makers, to amicably resolve this volatile situation in Niger and together make the best decisions for the interest of the people of Niger, Africa and the world at large,” it concluded.

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The consultant has described the directive as fruitless, and a mission impossible that will not happen.

Mr Wahab, who sounded livid on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen stated that ECOWAS does not have the power to give such a directive.

He added that the community has not lived up to its core mandate and has been ineffective in past years.

“The talk can go on, but we know realistically that it is not possible. ECOWAS doesn’t exist; it is only the name that exists if there is anything to talk about.

“There was famine and drought in Niger; what was ECOWAS’ coordinated effort from the community states to support it? Did they ask Ghana to bring maize or Burkina Faso to bring tomatoes to assist the people?” he fumed.

ECOWAS has ordered its standby force to restore constitutional order in the Niger Republic.

The President of ECOWAS, Omar Alieu Touray, made the declaration while reading the resolution of ECOWAS on the Niger coup at the ECOWAS Extraordinary Meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

It also called on the African Union, partner countries, and institutions to support the resolution taken by the sub-regional body.

ECOWAS said all efforts made to dialogue with Niger Republic military junta have been defiantly rejected by coup leaders as they condemn the continuous detention of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family members.

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Early on Wednesday, members of the special unit led by Tchiani detained Bazoum within the presidential palace, prompting regional leaders to organise a swift mediation mission to try to prevent a coup.

Hours later, a group of soldiers appeared on the West African nation’s national television claiming to have taken over the presidency.

“The defence and security forces … have decided to put an end to the regime you are familiar with,” said Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane in a statement broadcast on national television, surrounded by nine men in uniform, part of a group which is calling itself the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country.

Abdramane also said all institutions were suspended, land and air borders closed and a curfew was in place.

While Tchiani was not present on TV, he is widely seen as being hugely influential behind the scenes in Wednesday’s events.

So who is Tchiani?

Very little is known about the general, who is reportedly also named Abdourahmane.

According to APA news agency reports, Tchiani is from Niger’s western region of Tillaberi, a main recruitment area for the army.

He has been heading the presidential guards since 2015 and was a close ally of former President Mahamadou Issoufou – the politician who led the country until 2021.

Ironically, he led the unit that blocked an attempted coup in the country in March 2021, when a military unit tried to seize the presidential palace days before Bazoum who had just been elected, was due to be sworn in.

Bazoum’s election marked Niger’s first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since its independence from France in 1960. Once he took office, he kept the general as head of the presidential guards, a special unit of about 2,000 soldiers.

The motivations behind Tchiani spearheading the coup remain unclear but there were rumours that the deposed president wanted to dismiss him only a few days ago, Paul Melly, Niger expert at the London-based think tank Chatham House, told Al Jazeera.

There was also speculation that this may have been because of the general’s age, who is 62, or suspected discontent among some elements of the army including within the presidential guards.

Al Jazeera could not independently verify these speculations.

Another possible reason, Melly noted, is that Bazoum wanted “to mark himself out as his own man” from Issoufou’s presidency by changing the composition of the presidential guards, including replacing Tchiani.

On Wednesday, after Tchiani’s soldiers detained Bazoum, there were negotiations between him and the general that ultimately failed to yield any results.

According to local reports, Tchiani could be appointed head of a transitional military council within a few hours, a claim Al Jazeera could also not verify.

‘We cannot accept it’

Meanwhile, as news of the coup spread on Thursday morning, some politicians called on the population to reject the military takeover.

“There was an attempted coup, but of course, we cannot accept it,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassoumi Massoudou told news network France 24 in an interview.

“We call on all Nigerien democratic patriots to stand up as one to say no to this factious action that tends to set us back decades and block the progress of our country,” he said. He also called for the president’s unconditional release and said talks were ongoing.

A source close to the president who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak about the situation, told The Associated Press news agency that the president has not and will not resign and is safe in his residence.

“The hard-won achievements will be safeguarded. All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom will see to it,” Bazoum said early on Thursday morning on the social platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

It is unclear how much support the coup leaders have from the rest of the security forces, but support for Bazoum among the population and political parties appears strong. In a statement on Wednesday, a group of Nigerien political groups said the situation was “suicidal and anti-republican madness”.

“Our country, faced with insecurity, terrorism and the challenges of underdevelopment, cannot afford to be distracted,” it said.

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The Princesses dismantled their Nigerien counterparts 11-0 in a preparatory game for the upcoming tournament that is scheduled to be played in Kumasi at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.

A hat-trick from Stella Nyamekye and braces from Faiza Seidu and Mafia Nyame as well as strikes from Tracy Twum, Helen Alormenu and Mary Amponsah ensured free-scoring Ghana secured a huge win.

The WAFU B U-20 Girls Cup of Nations is scheduled from Saturday, May 20 – Saturday, June 3, 2023.

Ghana has been drawn into Group A of the WAFU championship alongside Benin and Cote D’Ivoire.

Meanwhile, Yusif Basigi, who is the head coach of the side has named 20 players for the tournament.

The team has been preparing at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence at Prampram ahead of the tournament. The team is expected to depart Accra for Kumasi on Thursday, May 18, 2023.

The team suffered a 2-0 defeat against Niger in their quarterfinal game at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran.

Imarana Dan Baro put the Menas ahead after 11 minutes with a header which Ghana defender, Konadu Yiadom deflected into his goal.

The Black Galaxies battled for the equaliser but failed to break down a resilient opposition who are yet to concede in the tournament.

In the second half, Soumana Hainikoye increased Niger’s tally in the 49th minute as he sent a brilliant curler from the edge of the Ghana penalty box.

Gladson Awako and Augustine Boakye came in for Sylvester Simba and Kofi Kordzi but it didn’t pay off as Niger defended gallantly to seal a place in the semi-finals.

Despite the exit, the Black Galaxies will receive a prize money of $400,000.

The defeat extends Ghana’s inability to win the CHAN trophy to 14 years and makes the second-place finish in 2009 and 2014 the country’s best performance.

Niger will next face host Algeria in the last four.

Ghana will face their West African neighbours in the quarterfinal clash at the Miloud Hadefi stadium in Oran with kick-off scheduled at 19:00GMT.

The Galaxies kicked off the campaign with a defeat against Madagascar before fighting back to record a win against Sudan.

Speaking in an interview, Dr Aubynn lauded the players for staying focused and united ahead of the game.

According to him, the Black Galaxies will annex the trophy if they cruise over Niger. 

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“I have never seen a team that is so united like this, the players are working together so I am happy with the calmness and unity in camp,” he said.

“Bonus issues have been resolved and I will thank the Sports Minister and his deputy and our FA President Kurt Okraku for the role played. I will plead with Ghanaians to pray and support the team because there are no issues in camp.

“Our attention is now on the quarterfinals and if we are able to beat Niger, I tell you, the trophy will come home,” he added.

Meanwhile, the playing body and the technical have arrived in Oran where the game will be played.

The game will be hosted at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran on Saturday.

Ghana placed 2nd in Group C with three points behind Madagascar who topped the group with six points.

Niger won Group E with 4 points, after a 1-0 win over Cameroon in their final group match on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.

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The Nigeriens drew goalless with Congo in their opening group match.

Saturday’s encounter will be the second meeting between these two sides following their first meeting in the 2011 edition, where Niger beat Ghana in the group stage en route to a quarterfinal exit.

The Black Galaxies will also be hoping to advance to the semifinal of the competition for the third time in four appearances at the CHAN tournament having done so previously in 2009 and 2014, where they finished as silver-medalists.

The desert country has faced a food crisis for years because of extended dry spells.

The head of the national meteorology institute, Katiellou Gaptia Lawan, told AFP news agency: “We had to do something about this drought.”

The “induced rain” technology involves using an aircraft to spray chemicals into clouds.

The intervention is targeting areas where people farm.

Some parts of the country have experienced flooding further adding to the food crisis.

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