Ghana stumbles again with draw against Niger

Ghana’s quest for a successful 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign hit another roadblock on Monday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Niger in their second Group F qualifier.

The match, played at the Stade Municipal de Berkane in Morocco, saw the Black Stars struggle to find their rhythm and ultimately share the spoils with their determined opponents.

The game started with a cautious approach from both sides, but it was Niger who created the first real chance.

Boubacar Hainikoye’s powerful shot from distance was well saved by Lawrence Ati-Zigi in the 17th minute.

However, against the run of play, Ghana managed to break the deadlock just before halftime.

Alidu Seidu’s effort from outside the box took a deflection and found its way past the Niger goalkeeper.

In the second half, Ghana had several opportunities to extend their lead, but they were unable to capitalize on them.

Mohammed Kudus and Inaki Williams both saw their efforts denied by the impressive AbiboulayeHainikoye.

Niger, on the other hand, remained resolute and continued to press for an equalizer.

Their persistence paid off in the 81st minute when Oumar Sako headed home from a corner kick to level the score.

The goal came after a scramble in the box and deflated Ghana’s hopes of securing a victory.

With just one point from two matches, Ghana’s qualification hopes are now hanging by a thread.

Their next challenge will be against Sudan in October, and they will need to significantly improve their performance to have any chance of progressing to the tournament.

Credit: ghanasoccernet.com

 

Senegal defeat hosts Burundi in a Group L

Senegal have recorded their first win in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers after they defeated hosts Burundi 1-0 in a Group L match played at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi, on Monday afternoon.

The Teranga Lions were frustrated by an opening draw at home to Burkina Faso last Friday – in which they conceded a last-gasp equaliser – but they have put themselves back on track with a victory secured by a second-half penalty from Ismaila Sarr.

The Swallows, meanwhile, are second on the log thanks to their win over Malawi last Thursday. The Stallions and the Flames will meet in Bamako on Tuesday.

Senegal bossed the first half, but found Burundi’s defence a resilient one: the hosts conceded just three shots on target through the first 45 minutes, with goalkeeper Matteo Nkurunziza able to turn the efforts away.

The West Africans, spearheaded by Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson in attack, were again unable to find cohesion and fluidity – with this clash mirroring the frustration they endured through much of their 1-1 draw at home to Burkina Faso last Friday.

The Swallows made a double change at the start of the second half, introducing Jean Claude Girumugisha and Aruna Madjaliwa, while Senegal waited until just after the hour mark to throw on Habib Diallo and Iliman Ndiaye to boost their attack.

And the visitors’ duly upped the pressure and were rewarded with a penalty which Ismaila Sarr converted in the 71st minute to break the deadlock.

With just a one-goal lead, Senegal surely had worried about a repeat of their mistake against Burkina Faso, but this time their defence held firm to secure an important three-point haul.

The teams will return to Group L action next month, with Burundi and Senegal facing respective double-headers against Burkina Faso and Malawi respectively.

Credit: supersport.com

 

Uganda Cranes dispatch Congo at Namboole

It has been celebrations at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole as the Uganda national football team (Uganda Cranes) were victorious over Congo, winning 2-0 during the AFCON 2025 qualifiers. A goal in either half from defender Abdu Azizi Kayondo and late first half substitute Jude Ssemugabi inspired Uganda to a remarkable victory.

The Cranes, playing their second game at home after a period of over three years were lively from the very first whistle until the game’s final stages.

The gaffer Paul Put named two changes to the team that drew 2-all away to South Africa with Kenneth Ssemakula replacing Elvis Bwomono at right back and Muhammad Shaban, who passed a late fitness test taking over Steven Desse Mukwala’s slot at center forward.

Uganda started the game on a high tempo and dominated the early proceedings of the game.

Congo’s Ryan Maxime Destin Bidounga got cautioned by the Tunisian referee Melki Mehrez for a foul on Travis Mutyaba.

Two minutes later, Kayondo, Uganda’s left back now featuring at FC Slovan Liberec lit up the charged fans with a long range flying cross over the goalkeeper PavelhNdzila.

It would have been 2 goals up for the hosts six minutes later had Rogers Kassim Mato converted from close range following a great through pass from midfielder Ronald Ssekiganda.

On the half hour mark, goalkeeper IsimaWatenga was well stationed to save a powerful header from defender Destin after an inviting free-kick.

The game was temporarily halted as a section of the stadium lights got off, a breather that the players optimally utilized to quench their thirst as the coaches preached their tactics once again.

As the lights returned, Uganda’s captain Khalid Aucho blocked a goal bound shot from Antoine Makoumbou, much to the delight of the ecstatic home crowd.

Towards the end of the opening stanza, Uganda lost forward Muhammad Shabana through injury and his place was taken by Kitara’s Jude Ssemugabi.

Credit: kawowo.com

 

Togo Strike Late To Hold Equatorial Guinea

Togo needed a late goal courtesy of L. Kodjo Fo Doh to snatch a 2-2 draw against Equatorial Guinea in their matchday two fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo on Monday.

During the pulsating Group E fixture, it was the home team, who scored first in the 17th minute through Luis Nlavo before Togo levelled matters through Roger Aholou in the 45th minute.

Jannick Buyla put Equatorial Guinea 2-1 up in the 75th minute. Equatorial Guinea went into the game looking to get on the scoreboard with attacks on the flanks, but they did not have good finishing.

In the sixth minute, Etienne Amenyido attempted a shot for Togo, but the ball missed the target.

Aholou then almost gave Togo the lead when he found space inside the dangerzone but he unleashed a weak effort that could not trouble Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper.

Both sides went into their sixth head-to-head meeting looking to pick up their first win of the qualifiers.

Credit: en.africatopsports.com