Niger kept their qualifying hopes flickering with a disciplined 1-0 win away to Zambia on Sunday, as in-form forward Daniel Sosah struck early in the second half to settle the Group E finale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The result caps an efficient away display from the M\u00e9nas, who absorbed long spells of pressure before landing the decisive blow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zambia, already out of contention before kick-off, pushed for a positive send-off but ran into a resolute back line and an inspired Mahamadou Tanja in goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Victory confirms Niger as Group E runners-up and leaves them waiting on other results to learn whether a play-off route will open.The match followed a clear pattern from the start: Chipolopolo possession, Niger compactness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Roared on by the home crowd, Zambia created the better first-half openings through Edward Chilufya and Kings Kangwa, while the returning Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala probed the channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each time, Niger\u2019s defensive unit held firm, with Tanja\u2019s handling and positioning keeping the interval goalless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four minutes after the restart, Niger struck with ruthless simplicity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Victorien Adebayor cut inside from the left and unleashed a skidding effort from distance that Lawrence Mulenga could only parry; Sosah reacted first, guiding the rebound home for his third goal in as many internationals.It was a poacher\u2019s finish and, ultimately, the night\u2019s defining moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zambia sought an instant reply. Chilufya drove at tired legs, Kangwa took aim from the edge of the box, and Daka flashed a near-post effort wide, but clear chances remained scarce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the minutes ticked by, Niger\u2019s structure told: lines stayed tight, full-backs tucked in, and midfielders recycled the ball to quieten the tempo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When pressure did mount, Tanja\u2019s command of his penalty area snuffed out danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chipolopolo frustrations grew as the hosts struggled to translate territory into high-quality shots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sakala\u2019s late darts drew fouls but not the equaliser, and substitute deliveries were repelled by a back four that refused to be dragged out of shape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the first half belonged to Zambia in flow, the second belonged to Niger in control.The wider picture now comes into focus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Morocco, long since qualified and confirmed as group winners, close out the section at home to the Republic of Congo on Tuesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Niger, confirmed as runners-up, must wait on results elsewhere to determine whether they make the regional four-team play-off: Ethiopia need to avoid defeat at Burkina Faso, while Mali\u2019s home date with Madagascar also feeds into the calculations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n