Niger stunned Ghana with a 1-0 victory at the 2018 Wafu Zone B Under-20 Cup of Nations being held in neighbouring Togo Friday night.
Amadou Sabo Mahamadou grabbed the game’s only goal at the Stade Municipal, Lomé.
Nurudeen Manaf started in posts for Ghana, with Henderson and Karela’s Ibrahim Moro at the central defense. Ishaku Kondah and former Starlets winger Emmanuel Toku in midfield, with Adjetey and Kyei Baffour leading the attack.
The Black Satellites showed glimpses of fine football at the early stage but the Nigeriens were resolute at the back.
Niger came in strongly dictating the pace of the game as both sides fought hard pushing to open the scoring but all efforts proved futile.
The first half, which seemed fairly balanced, ended goalless.
But just after recess, Amadou Sabo Mahamadou shot from the edge of the box which came off the back of Ghana’s goalie Nurudeen Manaf to open the scoring.
Jimmy Cobblah’s charges pressed harder after the goal but failed to utilize the opportunities which came their way.
The Nigeriens played to a well-rehearsed strategy to ensure that their solitary strike is preserved.
Ghana with an improved second half pushed more men forward but were unable to beat goalkeeper Issaka Souley Ismael in posts for Niger.
Ghana’s second game in Group B is cancelled due to Benin’s late withdrawal from the competition. The Black Satellites will therefore face Nigeria’s Flying Eagles in a must-win final group game at Stade Municipal on Wednesday, December 12. Kickoff is at 16:00 GMT.
Ghana line-up:
Manaf Nurudeen – Mayonu Henderson, Ibrahim Imoro, Ashittey Armah, Ishaku Kondah (c) – Michael Baidoo, Prosper Ahiabu, Awudu Tahiru, Emmanuel Toku – Adjetey Adrian, Elvis Kyei Baffour
By Daniel Osei
