Black Stars settle for disappointing draw against Niger in 2025 AFCON qualifiers

?The Black Stars of Ghana were held to a 1-1 draw by Menas of Niger in the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifiers (AFCON) played at the Stade Municipal de Barkane in Morocco.Alidu Seidu's first half strike was cancelled out by Oumar Sako's late second half strike as both sides shared the spoils in very tough Group F.Ghana Coach Otto Addo, after their last loss against Angola, made some changes to the lineup, with Majeed Ashimeru and Inaki Williams giving the starting nod ahead of Jordan Ayew and Elisha Owusu.The Black Stars started the game on a front foot, putting the opponents under pressure and keeping possession very well on a very silky surface.However, Ghanaian-born Nigerien striker Daniel Sosa nearly put his side ahead in the 17th minute, but his low shot was gathered by Lawrence Ati-Zigi.The Menas of Niger settled very well in the game halfway through the first half and began to create some very good chances against a shaky Ghanaian defence.?Black Stars playmaker Mohammed Kudus, who was l argely kept silent in the game, had an opportunity to put Ghana ahead, but his effort was blocked by the Niger defence.Ghana broke the deadlock in the 44th minute after Alidu Seidu hit a ferocious shot that was deflected past Niger goalkeeper Younoussa Hainikoye.?The first half ended with the Black Stars holding onto their 1-0 lead.Black Stars started the second half searching for their second goal and nearly found it in the 50th minute, but Kudus' close-range effort was saved by Niger goalkeeper Hainikoye.?Ghana was largely dominant in the second half and nearly doubled their lead in the 61st minute, but his effort skewed narrowly off the post.It was a more balanced affair in the latter stages of the game, with Niger making some attacking incursions in their bid to restore parity, but most of them proved unsuccessful.But Oumar Sako restored parity for Niger in the 81st minute after he tapped home from close range after some shambolic defending from the Black Stars.Both sides settled for a point at the end of the match.The Black Stars would be back in action in October when they host Sudan in a double header as they seek to go top of the groupGhana Starting Line-up:? Ati Zigi (GK); Lamptey, Salisu, Alidu Seidu, Munin, Partey, Ashimeru (Owsu 70), Issahaku(Asante.70), Kudus, Semenyo, Inaki (Jordan Ayew, 70)Niger's Starting Line-up: Hainikoye (GK),?Yakubu, Boueye, Katakore, Alhassane, Oumarou, Diabate, Moussa, Goumey, Sosah, B.Hainikoye?Source: Ghana News Agency