Niger Coach, Badou Zaki has revealed that the core of his team that defeated Ghana in Accra is made mostly of amateurs.
Niger edged the Black Stars of Ghana in a 2-1 away victory at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, November 18, 2024, and grabbed all three points in their final Group – F African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
Zaki stated in his post match interview that he was aware of the threat Ghana posed, yet anticipated the much-needed win for his side after his team put four past Sudan.
“We knew that the Ghanaian team could score, but they also conceded goals. From our last AFCON experience, we understood this, and after our 4-0 win over Sudan, we believed that beating Ghana was possible,” he said.
He went on to add that his team’s challenges could have curtailed their chances of winning the match but they managed to stay resolute and that was enough to beat the four-time African champions.
“Most of my players are amateurs, and those based outside of Niger had to travel for up to eighteen hours before arriving just a day before the game,” Badou Zaki added.
The defeat means Ghana finished last in Group F with three points, and the Black Stars will be missing out on the continental showpiece for the first time in 20 years.
