Speaking after Ghana’s exit, Annor Walker revealed that the Black Galaxies lost their confidence after conceding the first goal.
Although the team was determined to make a comeback in the game, the second goal dashed the team’s hopes, he said.
“When they (Niger) got the opening goal, it gave them more determination, and on our part, it disappointed us… and when we conceded the second goal, we struggled to come back and eventually lost,” he said in his post. – Match press conference.
“I don’t think we deserved to lose,” he said.
Imarana Don Barrow put the Nigerians ahead after 11 minutes with a header deflected in by Ghanaian defender Konadu Yiadom at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran.
The Black Galaxies tried hard to get back into the game with an equalizer but failed to break down a resilient opposition yet to be conceded in the tournament.
Niger came into the second half of the game with tremendous energy, finding the net again in the 49th minute with Soumana Heinikoye’s superb strike beyond the reach of goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim.
Coach Annor Walker responded by changing the boys and introduced captain Gladson Awako and Agustin Boki to Sylvester Simba and Kofi Kordzi but still couldn’t produce a miracle.