Ghana failed to break down Niger as the two sides played out a goalless draw at the Wafu B U-17 qualifying tournament for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday.
It was the first game for the Black Starlets but second for the hosts who had recorded a similar 0-0 draw with Togo last Sunday.
Ghana came closest to winning the match but Simon Asamoah Appiah blew a crucial penalty over the bar just before half-time break.
Karim Zito’s boys nearly got the breakthrough again six minutes into second half but were this time denied by Niger goalkeeper Issaka Abasse.
At the other end, Ghana shot-stopper David Kudjo had to pull a big save in a one-on-one situation with a Nigerien attacker in the six-yard box.
Niger goo top of Group A with two points while Ghana and Togo who face each other next on Saturday are on a point each.
Ghana must beat the Junior Hawks or play out a score draw to advance into the semifinals of the qualifying tournament being staged in Niger.
The ultimate winner wins the slot available to Wafu Zone B at the 2019 Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Tanzania.
