Niger Vs Angola

In their pursuit of securing a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Niger and Angola are set to clash once again, this time at the Stade Larbi Zaouli. The encounter, which marks the second leg of their Group F double-header, will take place on Tuesday. Both sides come into the game with differing fortunes, as Niger continues to search for their first victory of the qualifiers, while Angola aims to extend their dominant winning streak, having claimed seven consecutive victories across various competitions.

Match Preview

The last time these two sides faced each other, Angola emerged victorious, securing a 2-0 win at the Estadio 11 de Novembro. The match, which took place on Friday, saw the Black Sable Antelopes dominate possession, controlling over 60% of the ball. Despite their commanding play, Angola struggled to find the breakthrough for much of the game, but their persistence eventually paid off. In the 75th minute, Mabululu calmly converted a penalty to put his side ahead. Just ten minutes later, substitute Milson added a second, effectively sealing the victory and leaving Niger with little room to respond.

For Niger, the loss was their second in the current AFCON qualification campaign, further compounding their struggles. In their opening game against Angola, they were outclassed, and their overall performance in the qualifiers has been far from encouraging. However, in between these defeats, Niger managed to salvage a point against Ghana on September 9. In that match, they fought back from a goal down, with Oumar Sako’s late strike in the 81st minute cancelling out Alidu Seidu’s first-half opener, leading to a 1-1 draw. Despite the resilience shown in that fixture, Niger has struggled to maintain momentum, failing to secure a win in their last five matches across all competitions. Since their 2-1 victory over Zambia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Zaki Badou’s men have endured four defeats and one draw, leaving them with a lot to prove on Tuesday.

As Niger prepares for the return leg against Angola, they face an uphill battle. Angola has dominated recent encounters between the two nations, winning the last three meetings. These victories were not only convincing but highlighted the gap in quality, with Angola scoring seven goals and conceding just two since June 2008. The recent defeat in Luanda only serves as a reminder of the formidable challenge Niger will face as they look to turn their fortunes around.

Angola’s Dominant Form

In stark contrast to Niger’s struggles, Angola comes into the match brimming with confidence. Friday’s victory allowed them to maintain a perfect record in the AFCON qualifiers, and they now stand on the brink of securing back-to-back appearances in Africa’s premier football competition. Angola’s most recent AFCON campaign, which saw them reach the quarter-finals in Ivory Coast, has evidently fueled their ambition, and Pedro Gonçalves’ side shows no signs of slowing down.

Angola’s journey in the current qualification campaign began with a dramatic late victory over Ghana on September 5. In that match, the Black Sable Antelopes found themselves locked in a tight contest, with both sides creating chances but failing to find the net. However, Milson’s 93rd-minute strike broke the deadlock, giving Angola a crucial 1-0 win to kick off their campaign. Building on that result, they followed up with a 2-1 triumph over Sudan, further cementing their position at the top of Group F.

Their impressive form in the AFCON qualifiers is just part of a larger trend for Angola, who have been in scintillating form across all competitions. The Black Sable Antelopes are currently riding a seven-game winning streak, a run that includes their dominant performance in the 2024 COSAFA Cup. In the final of that competition, Angola demolished Namibia with a resounding 5-0 victory, underlining their attacking prowess and defensive solidity.

In fact, Angola has not tasted defeat since March 22, when they lost 1-0 to Morocco in a friendly match. Since that setback, Gonçalves’ side has gone 11 consecutive games without defeat, scoring 20 goals in the process and keeping six clean sheets. Their ability to consistently find the back of the net, coupled with their defensive organization, has made them a force to be reckoned with on the continent. As they prepare for the return fixture against Niger, Angola will be confident in their ability to secure another victory and move one step closer to booking their ticket to Morocco.

Tactical Analysis: Niger’s Struggles and Angola’s Strengths

For Niger, the upcoming match presents a critical opportunity to turn their qualification campaign around, but doing so will require a significant improvement in both defense and attack. In their previous encounter with Angola, Niger’s inability to maintain possession and their lack of cutting-edge in the final third were evident. Despite managing to hold Angola at bay for much of the game, they eventually succumbed to the relentless pressure applied by their opponents. The concession of a late penalty was a blow to Niger’s defensive efforts, and the second goal only served to highlight their frailties.

Zaki Badou will need to address these issues if his side is to stand a chance of securing a result on Tuesday. Defensively, Niger will need to be more compact and organized, especially given Angola’s ability to exploit spaces and create chances from wide areas. In attack, they will need to be more clinical, as chances are likely to be few and far between against an Angola side that has been resolute at the back.

On the other hand, Angola will look to build on the momentum they have generated in recent months. Pedro Gonçalves has crafted a team that is not only solid defensively but also lethal in attack. The Black Sable Antelopes’ ability to transition quickly from defense to attack has been a hallmark of their play, and with players like Milson and Mabululu in fine form, they have the firepower to trouble any defense. Their ability to score late goals, as seen in their victories over Ghana and Niger, speaks to the team’s resilience and determination.

In Tuesday’s match, Angola is likely to adopt a similar approach to their previous games, controlling possession and patiently waiting for openings to exploit. Given Niger’s recent defensive struggles, Angola will be confident in their ability to break through once again. The key for Angola will be to remain disciplined and avoid complacency, as Niger will undoubtedly be looking to spring a surprise and salvage their qualification hopes.

Historical Context and Significance

The history of meetings between Niger and Angola further underscores the challenge facing Niger in this contest. Angola has dominated the head-to-head record, particularly in recent years, with their last defeat to Niger coming over a decade ago. Since then, Angola has consistently come out on top, often by convincing margins. For Niger, breaking this cycle will require a monumental effort, not just in terms of tactics but also in terms of mentality.

From a broader perspective, this match holds significant importance for both teams. For Niger, a win would not only reignite their AFCON qualification hopes but also provide a much-needed confidence boost as they navigate the remainder of their campaign. Conversely, for Angola, a victory would effectively secure their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and further solidify their status as one of the rising forces in African football.

Angola’s resurgence in recent years has been impressive, and their current form suggests that they are capable of making a deep run in the upcoming AFCON tournament. Their quarter-final appearance in Ivory Coast was a sign of their growing potential, and with a core of talented players, they have the opportunity to build on that success. Tuesday’s match is another step in that journey, and Angola will be determined to maintain their winning ways.

Conclusion

As Niger and Angola prepare to face off in the second leg of their Group F double-header, the stakes could not be higher. For Niger, it is a chance to revive their faltering AFCON qualification campaign, while Angola will be looking to extend their remarkable winning streak and move one step closer to securing their place in Morocco. The match promises to be a fascinating encounter, with Angola’s attacking prowess and defensive solidity set to be tested by a Niger side desperate for redemption. Whether Niger can defy the odds and claim a crucial victory remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Angola will not make it easy for them.