Qualifying campaign: Niger dramatically reached the Nations Cup after Group G rivals South Africa mistakenly interpreted CAF's qualification rules. South Africa thought that a goalless draw with Sierra Leone in their final game was enough to lift them through due to their superior goal difference, but they ended up gifting Niger the CAN ticket. Niger, South Africa and Sierra Leone finished level on nine points but Niger emerged the winners due to their better head-to-head record over their competitors. History: Niger have never qualified for a major tournament. Expectations: Given that Niger are making their maiden CAN appearance, they are unlikely to make it past the group stage. They were drawn in a tough group that also includes North African giants Morocco and Tunisia and co-hosts Gabon. FIFA ranking: xxxx Achievements: Coach: Harouna Doula (Niger) Key players: Moussa Maazou, Daouda Kamilou Full squad: Goalkeepers:Losseny Doumbia (Daring Club C Motema Pembe), Daouda Kassaly (Coton Sport), Rabo Saminou (Sahel SC) Defenders:Jimmy Bulus (NA Hussein Dey), Mohamed Chikoto (Platinum Stars), Koffi Dan Kowa (ES Zarzis), Kader Amadou Dodo (Olympic), Issiaka Koudize (Garde Nationale), Souleymane Mazadou (US Marignane), Djibrilla Moussa (Garde Nationale), Mohamed Soumaila (Olympic) Midfielders:Yacouba Ali (Africa Sports), Moutari Amadou (Akokana FC), Olivier Bonnes (Lille), Issoufou Boubacar (FC Phuket), Abdoul Karim Lancina (Coton Sport), Idrissa Laouali (ASFAN), Cameroon), William Ngounou (IF Limhamn Bunkeflo), Idrissa Saidou (Coton Sport), Boubacar Talatou (Orlando Pirates) Forwards: Issoufou Alhassane Dante (Raja Casablanca), Kamilou Daouda (CS Sfaxien), Moussa Maazou (Zulte Waregem).
