An injury-time header by Oumar Sako gave the Menas of Niger a 2-1 away win over the Black Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday.
The game was the final qualifier in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for both sides with the visitors having a slim chance of making it to the tournament.
Ghana were playing as a mere formality after staying out of contention due to the 1-1 draw against Angola last Friday.
But the Nigeriens made their intentions clear, opening the score in the 22nd minute through Ousseini Badamassi.
He connected to a corner kick with his head to beat Belgium-based Abdul Manaf Nurudeen in post for the Black Stars.
The Menas were, thus, on the front foot going into the break as they kept hopes alive of making it to Morocco at the expense of Sudan.
But Otto Addo’s introduction of U-20 star Jerry Afriyie in the second half made an instant impact as the Thoughts FC player scored to level matters.
His goal triggered an involuntary dash of the gaffer from the touchline onto the nicely-trimmed Accra Sports Stadium pitch for a hug.
However, the game was not to be for the Black Stars as Niger found themselves at the receiving end of an infringement.
They scored the resultant free kick as Sako steered the kick with his head past goalkeeper Nurudeen.
A penalty won by captain Mohammed Kudus was saved by the Nigerien goalie in what could exacerbate the frustrations of the West Ham United midfielder.
The result means the Black Stars have gone the entire qualifiers without a win.
The goal by Afriyie is the first at home for the team but the third overall.
Already, the Ghanaians have resolved to turn attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
