The Black Stars of Ghana winless run has now stretched to four games following a 2-0 loss to Sudan in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Tuesday, October 15, at the Benina Martyrs Stadium.
Ghana, still looking for their first victory in the AFCON qualification campaign, were thoroughly beaten by Sudan, putting them in a precarious position with only two games left to play.
This result leaves the Black Stars trailing Sudan by five points. The team made just one change to their starting eleven from the goalless draw in Accra, with Inaki Williams replacing Jordan Ayew in the forward line.
While Ghana dominated possession during the first half, they were ineffective in front of goal, failing to register even a single shot on target from four attempts.
Their inability to convert possession into meaningful chances proved costly as their offensive struggles continued.
Sudan, by contrast, produced two shots on target from five efforts, but like Ghana, they couldn’t find the back of the net before halftime.
The second half saw Ghana punished for defensive mistakes. In the 62nd minute, Sudan took the lead through Ahmed Al-Tash, who capitalised on a breakdown in communication between Ghana’s goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi and his defenders, allowing him to score into an empty net.
Sudan’s second goal followed shortly after in the 65th minute, with Mohamed Abdelrahman calmly finishing a pass from Ahmed Yousif, doubling Sudan’s advantage and sealing the victory.
This defeat has thrown Ghana’s qualification hopes into serious jeopardy.
Sudan, managed by former Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah, executed their game plan effectively and were ruthless in taking advantage of Ghana’s errors.
For Ghana, the inability to turn their possession into goals, combined with lapses in defence, continues to undermine their chances.
Coach Otto Addo now faces a significant challenge in the upcoming matches.
With just two games left—against Angola on November 11 and Niger on November 19—Ghana must win both to keep their hopes of qualification alive.
Angola and Niger are tough opponents, and the pressure will be on the Black Stars to deliver strong performances.
Ghana’s path to AFCON qualification has become much more difficult following this defeat, and the team will need to make significant improvements if they are to reverse their fortunes and secure a place in the tournament.
Player Ratings:
Ghana: Lawrence Ati-Zigi (5), Alidu Seidu (6), Salisu (6), Sulemana (6), Gideon Mensah (6), Elisah Owusu (5), Ernest Nuamah (6), Djiku (6), Antoine Semenyo (6), Kudus (8), Inaki Williams (6).
Substitutions: Jonas Adjei (3), Tariq Lamptey (4), Baidoo (4), Abdul Fatawu (4), Jordan Ayew (4).