The Black Galaxies of Ghana have had their dreams to the CHAN title cut short as they shamefully lost to Niger at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran, Algeria in the second quarter finals tie.
Coach Annor Walker made two changes to the side that defeated Sudan in their second group game. Suraj Seidu and Sylvester Simba were introduced for suspended Daniel Afriyie Barnie and Kasim Razak.
The Black Galaxies lost possessions in the major areas in the first half and failed to register a single shot on target.
Niger took the lead in the minute when Imarana Seyni's header deflected off Ghanaian centre back Konadu Yiadom into his own net.
The Nigeriens pushed harder for their second goal but saw a glorious opportunity denied by Danlad Ibrahim few minutes before the halftime whistle.
Back from recess, Niger took off from where they left off, surging forward for another goal and paid off in the 49th minute when Soumana Hainikoye scored from a magnificent effort just at the edge of the Ghanaian penalty box.
Coach Annor Walker later introduced Gladson Awako, Kwame Otu, Sheriff Mohammed, Benjamin Abaidoo and Augustine Boakye for Solomon Adomako, Kofi Kordzi, Sylvester Simba, Denis Korsah and Jonah Attuquaye.
The Black Galaxies however failed to make their chances count after attempting to break the Nigerien defense on countless occasions.
This becomes the second time Ghana have lost to Niger in the CHAN tournament, having lost to them 1-0 in the group stages of the 2011 edition.
The victory means Niger will take on host Nation Algeria whiles Madagascar plays Senegal in the semi-final stage.
