AFCON 2025 qualifiers: Black Stars begin intense training in Morocco ahead of Niger game

The Black Stars wasted no time as they hit the pitches at the Berkane Football Academy on Saturday, shortly after arriving in Morocco.The team is determined to bounce back from their disappointing 1-0 home loss to Angola in Kumasi last Thursday.Ghana will face Niger on Monday in their second 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, aiming to secure a crucial win after a shaky start to the campaign.The squad has been reduced to 22 players following the withdrawal of Istanbul Basaksehir defender Jerome Opoku due to injury. In addition, Los Angeles Galaxy winger Joseph Paintsil was left in Accra to resolve passport issues, leaving coach Otto Addo with a slightly smaller squad.Despite dominating much of the play in their first qualifier against Angola, the Black Stars conceded a late goal from substitute Felicio Milson, who capitalised on a defensive error to hand Ghana a frustrating defeat.With intense training underway, the team is focused on regrouping and delivering a stronger performance as they prepare for Mondays clash against Niger.