Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations took another hit after conceding a late goal in a 1-1 draw against Niger in Morocco.
The result leaves the Black Stars’ chances in jeopardy, especially after a 1-0 defeat to Angola just days earlier.
Here are five key takeaways from the disappointing result:
Late Goals Continue to Haunt Ghana
Ghana conceded a late goal for the third consecutive match, highlighting a worrying trend. This inability to close out games, especially when leading, is becoming a significant problem, costing the team two vital points against a lower-ranked opponent.
Attacking Woes Persist Despite dominating possession and creating chances, Ghana’s attacking play remains lacklustre.
Inaki Williams missed a key opportunity early in the game, and the team struggled to convert their dominance into goals. The lack of a cutting edge in the final third is a major concern.
Alidu Seidu Shines
One of the positives from the game was Alidu Seidu’s performance. The defender not only scored Ghana’s goal but also contributed solidly in defence. His powerful strike just before halftime gave Ghana hope, but his efforts weren’t enough to secure the win.
Midfield Lacked Creativity
While Ghana controlled large portions of the game, the midfield struggled to break down Niger’s defence. Mohammed Kudus and Fatawu Issahaku had moments of brilliance, but the team lacked consistent creativity to unlock their opponents and keep up the pressure after the lead.
Qualification Hopes Hanging by a Thread
With four games left, Ghana finds itself in a precarious position. They must win their next two fixtures against Sundan to stand a chance of qualifying for AFCON 2025. The pressure is on Otto Addo and his team to turn things around quickly before it’s too late.
This result is a wake-up call for the Black Stars, who now face a daunting task to secure qualification.
Source: Ghanasoccernet.com
