2025 AFCON Qualifier: Black Stars seek redemption against Niger on Monday

The Black Stars will be searching for their first points in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they take on the Menas of Niger at the Stade Municipal de Barkane in Morocco on Monday, September 9, 2024.?Both teams began their qualification campaign on a disappointing note with the Black Stars losing 1-0 to Angolas Palancas Negras and Niger losing 1-0 against Sudan.??Last Thursday's setback was terrible for the Black Stars, since it was their first home loss in 24 years, with some horrific scenes following the match at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.??The Nigerien side have not been difficult opponents for Ghana in the past, with the latter winning 11 of 14 matches while losing two and drawing one.However, given the Black Stars' current performance trajectory, the match appears more level, and previous results would certainly not matter, especially with Niger seeking their third appearance at the AFCON.Qualification to the AFCON has been a difficult assignment for the Black Stars in p revious years, and the journey to Morocco in 2025 may prove much more difficult if things do not go well against Niger.????Team News?Ghana coach Otto Addo would have some big decisions to make with his starting lineup following the poor display by some players in Angola encounter.?Abdul Munin, whose mistake at the back proved costly for the Black Stars last Thursday, is likely to keep his place in the absence of Jerome Opoku, who dropped out of the squad due to injury.?Majeed Ashimeru, who has been one of the most improved Black Stars players in recent years, is expected to be handed a starting role ahead of Elisha Owusu, who had a difficult outing against Angola.?However, the Black Stars of Ghana would also be without Joseph Painstil, who was unable to travel with the team due to passport issues and was left in Accra.Aside from these two injury setbacks, Ghana coach Otto Addo trained with 22 players at the Berkane Football Academy and is expected to name a strong line-up for the Niger e ncounter.?For Niger, their Ghanaian-born striker Daniel Sosah would be looking to hit the ground running for his side as they seek their first points in the group.?The striker, despite their loss against Sudan in the opener, was very impressive and could be handed a starting role by coach Ezzaki Badou.Ghana's probable starting line-up: Ati Zigi (GK); Lamptey, Salisu, Alidu Seidu, Munin, Partey, Ashimeru, Issahaku, Kudus, Semenyo, Jordan AyewNiger's Probable starting line-up: Hainikoye (GK), Yakubu, Boueye, Katakore, Alhassane, Oumarou, Diabate, Moussa, Goumey, Sosah, Adamou GoraKick Off Time: 15:00 GMTSource: Ghana News Agency