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Sudan delivered a remarkable performance to secure a 2-0 victory over Ghana in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Tuesday. The match took place at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi, Libya. The Sudanese team exploited Ghana’s defensive vulnerabilities to claim a vital win, leaving the Black Stars winless in their last four matches and struggling to maintain their AFCON qualification hopes.
From the outset, the game was competitive, but Ghana struggled to find cohesion and rhythm. Despite having more possession in the early stages, the Black Stars were unable to make their dominance count. Sudan, on the other hand, stayed patient and capitalized on Ghana’s disorganization in key moments. This allowed them to expose the Black Stars’ defensive frailties in the second half.
Sudan broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute after a lapse in communication between Ghana’s defenders Gideon Mensah and Alidu Seidu, as well as goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi. Ahmed Al-Tash, who plays for Asswehly in Libya, pounced on the defensive confusion and blasted the ball into the net, giving Sudan a 1-0 lead. The goal stunned Ghana, who seemed shaken by their inability to control the game.
Just three minutes later, Sudan extended their lead. Mohammed Abdel Raman, a forward for Al-Hilal Omdurman, muscled his way past Ghana defender Mohammed Salisu before driving the ball into the far post. Goalkeeper Ati Zigi could do little to prevent the second goal, and Ghana found themselves 2-0 down in a matter of minutes.
This defeat deepens Ghana’s struggles, as they remain without a win in their last four competitive games, comprising two draws and two losses. The latest setback places their chances of qualifying for AFCON 2025 in serious jeopardy, with only two matches left in their group. The Black Stars now face an uphill battle to keep their hopes alive as they try to turn their fortunes around in the remaining fixtures.
Sudan’s victory lifts them to seven points after four matches in Group F, just two points behind leaders Angola, who have played one game less. Angola’s upcoming match against Niger will be crucial in determining the group standings. Should Angola win, Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the tournament will be further diminished, as Angola would secure a spot in the finals.
Ghana’s defeat to Sudan means that Angola, with nine points, has already qualified for the AFCON 2025 finals in Morocco. Even if Ghana wins their final two group matches, they cannot surpass Angola in the standings. This adds even more pressure on the Black Stars, who must now focus on avoiding further embarrassment in the qualifiers.
For Sudan, the path to AFCON qualification is now clearer. Managed by former Ghana coach James Kwesi Appiah, the Sudanese team needs just one more point from their remaining two games against Niger and Angola to secure their spot in the AFCON finals. Given their current form and momentum, Sudan is in a strong position to qualify.
The defeat marks a significant setback for Ghana, whose fans were hoping for a strong showing in the qualifiers. With expectations high, the team must quickly regroup and find solutions to their defensive issues if they are to salvage their campaign. However, given their recent struggles, turning things around will require a monumental effort.
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