Coach of the Black Galaxies, Annor Walker, has claimed that Niger’s victory over his team in the 2022 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) competition quarterfinals on Saturday, January 28, 2023, was unfair.
Niger unexpectedly defeated the two-time finalist 2-0 thanks to an own goal by Konadu Yiadom in the 11th minute and a spectacular strike by Soumana Hainikoye in the second half.
Annor Walker claimed that the first goal demoralized his team and the second goal made the game impossible for his team to win.
“When they (Niger) got an early goal, it gave them more determination and, on our side, it demoralized us…and when we conceded the second goal, we struggled to come back and eventually lost. I don’t think we deserved to lose” Walker said in a post-match interview.
The Samartex manager, who was at a loss for words after the loss, acknowledged that he had suffered a “huge blow.”
“Seriously I don’t know what to say because I am short of words. It is a very big blow losing this match but everything that God does is good” he added.
On January 31, 2023, Niger, who has advanced to the semifinals, will play host Algeria.
Following the quarterfinal loss, Ghana will get $400,000 in prize money for making it to the final eight.
