Most of my players are amateurs – Niger coach Badou Zaki discloses after win against Ghana

Niger Coach, Badou Zaki has discloses that the bulk of his team that defeated Ghana in Accra, is made of amateurs.

Niger beat Ghana 2-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, November 18, 2024, to claim all three points in their final Group – F African Cup of Nations qualifier.

Speaking after the match, Badou underscored the threat Ghana posed, however, anticipated a victory for his side after thrashing Sudan 4-0.

“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 further highlighted the challenges his team faced which could have curtailed their chances of winning the match.

“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,” Zaki explained.

The defeat means Ghana finished last in Group F with three points. The team will miss the continental showpiece for the first time in 21 years.