Ghana vs Niger Prediction: Time for the Black Stars to bow out of the qualifier with pride

Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter between Ghana and Niger will take place at the Accra Sports Stadium. The two teams settled for a 1-1 draw in their first-leg encounter. How will this game end?

Like every match in this AFCON qualifier, Ghana failed to win their last encounter and will look to end it with a positive result. Against Angola the previous week, Ghana settled for a 1-1 draw. In that game, Ghana had only 30 percent of the possession, attempting eight shots with only one on target. However, despite Jordan Ayew's 18th-minute strike and avoiding a goal from the spot, Zini's second-half strike for Angola denied them a chance for the main tournament. Heading into this game, Ghana have an unbeaten run of five matches. 

Niger were brilliant against Sudan in their last qualifying game and will hope to show class in this one. In that encounter, Niger scored three times before the break, and 51st-minute Ousseini Badamassi's strike was enough to seal their first win in this qualifier. However, in their first four matches, Niger lost three matches while drawing one. Heading into this game with four points, Niger sit third in the qualifying standings, and a win provided Sudan loses, would take them to the main tournament. 

Ghana have been very disappointing in this qualifier, and I expect them to show character in this final encounter. While Niger have not lost any of their last two meetings against Ghana, there is no doubt they will approach this game with their best tactics. At their home nation, I expect Ghana to be at their best with the help of Mohamed Kudus and Ayew. Yet, Niger seem to be decent offensively, and with Ghana finding it difficult to hold defensively, a bet on both teams scoring is another option to consider.