Niger head coach Badou Zaki remains optimistic about his team’s chances in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers, despite being drawn in a challenging Group F alongside Ghana’s Black Stars, Angola, and Sudan.
While the chase their third appearance at the tournament Ghana will be hoping to make it for the 25th time while aiming to clinch their fifth title which has eluded them since 1982.
Zaki acknowledges the pedigree of the Black Stars but believes they are not at the same level they used to be in the past. Due to this, the Niger coach , believes, his side stands a chance of qualifying for the competition from the group.
In an interview with CAFOnline.com, Zaki assessed the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents, expressing confidence in his team’s ability to qualify. “We’re in an affordable group. We have every chance of qualifying,” he stated.
The Moroccan legend acknowledged Ghana’s football prowess but believes they are not as formidable as they once were. “Ghana is a football country with great professionals… but it’s not the team of 5 or 6 years ago. Even at home, they can lose,” Zaki remarked.
Niger will face Sudan and Ghana in their first two qualifying matches in September 2024. Despite the challenges ahead, Zaki’s confidence in his team’s abilities is evident. With a positive mindset and strategic preparation, Niger aims to make a strong impact in the qualifiers.
The Mena are seeking their first qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations in a decade, having made back-to-back appearances in the 2012 and 2013 editions in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, and in South Africa.
