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Ghana’s hopes of securing a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco came to an end following a 1-1 draw with Angola at the Estadio 11 de Novembro in Luanda. The result capped off a disappointing qualification campaign for the Black Stars, leaving them winless and at the bottom of their group after four matches.
The match started on a positive note for Ghana when captain Jordan Ayew opened the scoring in the 19th minute. His stunning 40-yard free-kick left the Angolan goalkeeper rooted to the spot, giving the visitors an early advantage.
However, Ghana struggled to maintain their momentum. In the 27th minute, Gideon Mensah committed a foul in the box, gifting Angola a penalty. M’Bala Nzola of RC Lens stepped up to take the spot kick, but Ghanaian goalkeeper Abdul Manaf Nurudeen made a crucial save to keep his team ahead.
Despite Nurudeen’s heroics, Angola eventually leveled the score in the 63rd minute. Substitute Zini Cabaca Salvador connected with a pinpoint cross from Joao Felicio Milson, heading the ball into the net.
Angola continued to push for a winner, but Nurudeen delivered several vital saves to deny them. However, the draw was enough to eliminate Ghana from contention, marking their first failure to qualify for AFCON since 2004.
This setback is a significant blow for the Black Stars, a team with a rich history in African football. The result has sparked questions about the team’s performance and calls for reforms to restore Ghana’s footballing prowess.
Ghana will wrap up their qualification campaign on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, with a home game against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium.
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