Black Stars miss out on AFCON for first time in 20yrs

The senior national football team, the Black Stars, failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2004, following a 1-1 draw against Angola in their latest qualifying match.
Ghana remains at the bottom of Group F with only three points from five games.

A slim hope dwindles
The Black Stars needed a victory in their penultimate group match on Friday to keep their slim hopes of qualifying for the 2025 tournament in Morocco alive. Ghana, a four-time AFCON champion, has played in 24 editions of the tournament — surpassed only by Egypt (26 appearances) and defending champions Ivory Coast (25 appearances).

Strong start by Angola
Angola, already qualified, started the game confidently in front of their home fans in Talatona.
They created the first scoring opportunity when Milson’s header narrowly missed the target.
The Black Stars, however, found their footing as the game progressed, with Issahaku Fatawu looking lively in the attack.

Ayew’s free-kick stunner
Jordan Ayew broke the deadlock for Ghana in the 18th minute with a long-range free kick that stunned Angola’s goalkeeper, Neblu.
Angola nearly equalized shortly afterward, but Ghanaian goalkeeper Abdul Manaf Nurudeen saved a penalty attempt by M’Bala Nzola.

Ghana holds firm amid pressure
Despite relentless pressure from Angola, Razak Simpson anchored the Ghanaian defense, which held strong, allowing the Black Stars to maintain their lead going into halftime.
In the second half, however, Angola continued to press and threatened the Ghana goal multiple times.

Angola’s persistence pays off
Angola’s efforts were rewarded in the 64th minute when Zini headed in a goal to level the score, ending Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025.
Although the Black Stars attempted to regain their lead with counter-attacks, they were ultimately unsuccessful. Ransford Yeboah had a chance to score, but his shot was saved, and Mohammed Kudus missed another close-range opportunity.

Qualification hopes dashed
With just three points from five matches, Ghana remains at the bottom of Group F, failing to secure a single victory throughout the qualification campaign.
Angola, topping the group with 13 points, has already secured their place in Morocco 2025.

A Disappointing campaign for Ghana
The result is a disappointing outcome for a country with a rich AFCON history and a reputation as one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses.
Ghana’s next match is against Niger, who have four points and a chance to qualify as group runners-up if they defeat Sudan and Angola wins their final group game against Sudan.

Lineup changes by coach Otto Addo
Coach Otto Addo made notable lineup changes for the Angola match, with Razak Simpson and Michael Baidoo making their first starts.
First-choice goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi was benched, giving Abdul Manaf Nurudeen the chance to start.

Black Stars starting XI
Starting XI: Abdul Manaf (GK), Alidu Seidu, Razak Simpson, Kingsley Schindler, Fatawu Issahaku, Elisha Owusu, Michael Baidoo, Jordan Ayew, and Mohammed Kudus.