EXPLAINER: How Ghana's pathway to AFCON 2025 looks like after Niger's victory over Sudan

Ghana's quest to qualify for AFCON 2025

Ghana's hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have been boosted after Niger's 2-1 victory over Sudan in an away match. Ghana defeated Sudan 3-1 in their opening match on June 1, 2023 putting the Black Stars on top of the provisional standings. Niger's win on Tuesday ensures that they stay on the tails of the Black Stars.

Mali on the chase

While Ghana tops the group with three points and a goal difference of +2, Mali stays close behind following their 1-0 win against Benin on Tuesday. Both Ghana and Mali have the same number of points, but the Black Stars have a better goal difference. Niger currently sits in third place with the same number of points as Mali after their second-round victory against Sudan. However, the Malians have a superior goal difference. Sudan and Benin have yet to win a game in the qualifying tournament, and they occupy fourth and fifth positions, respectively.

Ghana's remaining fixtures

Ghana will face Benin in their next match on Tuesday, March 27, 2024, before traveling to face Niger on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. The Black Stars will complete their group stage campaign with a home match against Mali on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.

Mali face Niger

Mali has a slightly more difficult fixture list as they will face Niger away on June 12 before hosting Sudan and Benin in September 2024 and March 2025, respectively. Niger hosts Benin in September 2024 before traveling to Sudan and Mali in March 2025.

Ghana's chances

Ghana's chances of qualifying for AFCON 2025 look good, especially considering their strong start to the qualifying campaign and their relatively favorable fixture list. The Black Stars will be confident of beating Benin in their next match and will be targeting a win against Niger when they meet in June. If Ghana can maintain their good form, they should be able to secure at least a top-two finish in Group E and qualify for the tournament.