Niger head coach Badou Zaki has attributed his team’s spirited 2-1 win over Ghana in their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers to meticulous preparation and resilience in the face of logistical challenges.

Speaking after the match, Zaki noted that his team approached the game with confidence, having carefully analyzed Ghana's vulnerabilities.

"We knew the Ghanaian team could score, but they also conceded goals. From our last AFCON experience, we understood this. After our 4-0 win over Sudan, we believed beating Ghana was possible," Zaki said.

He commended his players for their determination, especially considering the amateur status of most of the squad and the grueling travel conditions they endured.

"Most of my players are amateurs, and those based outside Niger had to travel for up to eighteen hours, arriving just a day before the game," Zaki explained.

"Our flights were often delayed, even for short distances like Lomé to Accra. Better travel options would have been a great help."

Despite the victory, Niger’s 7 points in Group F were not enough to secure qualification for AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

Angola (14 points) and Sudan (8 points) claimed the group’s qualification spots, leaving Niger in third place.

Zaki expressed pride in his team's performance and their ability to compete under challenging circumstances, emphasizing that the victory over Ghana was a testament to their resilience and preparation.