Video: 'Indomitable' Niger knockout Cameroon to book first quarterfinal spot in 12 years

Niger Republic have reached the knockout stages for the first time in 12 years.

CHAN Video: 'Indomitable' Niger knockout Cameroon to book first quarterfinal spot in 12 years

Izuchukwu Akawor 12:33 - 25.01.2023

The Menas produced the shock of the final round in the group stages to send the Indomitable Lions out of the competition.

Niger Republic will for the first time play in the last eight of the African Nations Championship, CHAH, following a victorious outing in their final game in Group E.

The Menas shocked one of the pre-tournament favourites Cameroon 1-0 in the last round of matches in Algeria.

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Midfieldier, Soumaila Badamassi was the star and hero of the day for the West Africans after he came off the bench to score the decisive goal.

Badamassi netted a stunning free kick in the second half that saw Niger knockout the Indomitable Lions to finish top of the group and pick the ticket to the quarterfinal.

Badamassi flanked by his teammates after the game.

The game in brief

Both countries came into the last game in the group stages needing a win to seal their place in their last eight.

But it was Niger who started strongly and created the better chance in the opening half of the game.

Niger will play in the quarterfinal for the first time in 12 years.

However, there was nothing to separate both teams heading into the break as things remained goalless.

In the second half, the Indomitable Lions looked rejuvenated but their efforts failed to trouble the well-drilled Menas defense who remained resolute.

With 21 minutes left to play, Niger were presented with a chance from set piece when Salissou Maazou was fouled at the edge of the Cameroon box.

Super-sub, Badamassi stepped up to ensure the Menas took full advantage as he fired a stunning strike that was defletced into the Cameroonian net.

Niger held hold for the win to finish top of the three-team group with four points, ahead of Cameroon and Congo.

What the result means

Following their brilliant win, The Mena, in their fourth CHAN tournament appearance, reach the quarter-final for the second time after their showing in 2018.

They will now face the Black Galaxies of Ghana in the last eight in what is a West African derby on Saturday at the Miloud Hadefi stadium in Oran.

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