Several Ghanaian sports personalities have expressed deep disappointment after the Black Stars were held to a frustrating draw by Niger on matchday two of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which took place on Monday, September 9, 2024.
The Black Stars have yet to secure a win in the qualifying series, following a 1-1 draw with Niger in Morocco.
Ghana initially took the lead in the first half with a powerful strike from Alidu Seidu, ending the half ahead.
However, after missing two significant chances, Niger equalized in stoppage time when Oumar Sako scored from a rebound, capitalizing on poor defending by Ghana.
Currently third in Group F, Ghana must defeat Sudan in their next match on October 7, 2024, to improve their chances of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON.
Notable personalities such as Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo, Gary Al-Smith, Saddick Adams, Owuraku Ampofo, and George Addo Junior have shared their thoughts.
Some remarked that even with a good pitch, the team's inability to excel against Niger is a wake-up call for Otto Addo to intensify his efforts, as qualifying for AFCON could become challenging otherwise.
Read the reactions on X below:
We all are, but instead of lamenting alongside the rest of us, you have a duty to fix this. Too many stop-starts. We need some consistency.
— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) September 10, 2024
I am really disappointed, to be honest-Otto Addo on Niger's draw https://t.co/kqRlv7HWAn
Niger 🇳🇪 1-1 🇬🇭 Ghana
— Gary Al-Smith (@garyalsmith) September 9, 2024
Same energy we used to bash the authorities for not giving the Black Stars a poor pitch last week is the same energy we gotta use to ask why we couldn't win this — particularly when it was played on neutral grounds.
Houston, we have a problem. pic.twitter.com/LHtL4Oxgoh
One point from the first two 2025 AFCON qualifiers for Ghana. The Black Stars will most likely need to win their remaining four games or risk not qualifying for the tournament in Morocco 😳 pic.twitter.com/jzWnimXFnN
— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) September 9, 2024
Sako grabs the equaliser for Niger 🇳🇪 from this corner kick.
— George Addo Jnr (@addojunr) September 9, 2024
Niger 🇳🇪1-1 Ghana 🇬🇭
pic.twitter.com/FnNUv9iDsK
Two things can exist at the same time.
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) September 9, 2024
Our national stadium is horrible and our national team is average.
SB/MA