The Black Stars of Ghana could not qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a disappointing draw against Angola.
Ghana failed to get a much-needed win as Angola held the Black Stars to a one-all draw at the Estadio de on Friday, November 15, 2024.
The result means Ghana will not qualifier for the AFCON for the first team since 2004, ending a 20-year consecutive appearance.
The Black Stars took the lead against the run of play through Jordan Ayew’s sublime free-kick in the 19th minute.
After conceding, Angola took the game to Ghana in search of an equalizer and eventually won a penalty 8 minutes later.
M’bala Nzola stepped up for the penalty, but Abdul Manaf Nurudeen pulled off a brilliant stop to keep the Black Stars alive.
Despite immense pressure, Otto Addo’s team managed to see the first period through as they walked down the tunnel with a narrow lead.
In the second half, Angola started from where they left off, making attacking incursions and pinning Ghana back.
However, they struggled to break down the defence led by Nations FC’s Razak Simpson, who put in an absolute shift.
The home side had to wait until the 63rd minute to draw level through substitute Zini’s thumping header.
The equalizer opened up the game as Ghana began to create some decent chances. Jordan Ayew released Ransford Yeboah on a counter, but the Hamburg striker could not get the ball past the goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation.
A few minutes later, Ransford found Mohammed Kudus in the box, but the West Ham man skied his effort from close range.
Angola took charge of the game again, slowed the tempo, and sucked the life out of the Black Stars with some good passing movements as both teams eventually shared the spoils.
Ghana sits at the bottom of the group with no wins after five games, losing two and drawing three. The four-time African champions have three points, hence, their final game against Niger on Monday, November 18, 2025, is a formality.
Angola, who have already qualified, have increased their tally to 13 points, while Sudan and Niger follow with 7 and 4 points respectively.
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