The dream of Ghana’s participation in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco has been shattered. A disappointing 1-1 draw against Angola has effectively ended the Black Stars’ qualification campaign, marking the first time in two decades that Ghana will be absent from the prestigious continental tournament.
Alt text: Dejected Ghana football fans reacting to the draw against Angola, symbolizing the nation’s AFCON qualification failure and reflecting the current time of disappointment in Ghanaian football.
Despite a stunning free-kick goal from Jordan Ayew in the first half, Ghana couldn’t maintain their lead, allowing Angola to equalize and ultimately secure the crucial point they needed. This setback comes on the heels of Niger’s dominant 4-0 victory over Sudan, further diminishing Ghana’s chances of qualification. For a nation with a rich footballing history, this failure represents a significant low point, especially considering their group stage exits in the last two AFCON tournaments and their inability to secure a single win in those stages.
While Jordan Ayew’s moment of brilliance provided a temporary high, Angola largely dictated the flow of the match, controlling possession and creating more scoring opportunities. Having already qualified for AFCON 2025 with 12 points, Angola’s draw in this match brought their tally to 13 points, solidifying their position with one game remaining. They are set to face Sudan in their final fixture next week. Niger, with 4 points from four games, still holds a slim hope of qualification if they win their last match and Sudan suffers another defeat.
The Ghanaian football fraternity is now grappling with the harsh reality of missing out on AFCON. Experts and fans alike are voicing concerns about the direction of the national team and the need for significant changes. Many believe that the time has come for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to appoint a more capable coach to effectively manage the talented pool of players at their disposal.
“You might have talented players in your team,” commented Kelvin Owusu Ansah, speaking to BBC Pidgin, “but without a good coach, it’s a waste of time. It’s like a chef with excellent ingredients who doesn’t know how to cook well.” This analogy resonates with many fans who observe that despite Ghana boasting players in top leagues worldwide, the Black Stars’ performances have consistently fallen short of expectations.
Calls for a broader restructuring of Ghanaian football are also gaining momentum. Many argue that the focus should shift towards improving local leagues and youth teams to create a sustainable pipeline of talent for the senior national team. “Unless we focus on nurturing talents from the youth level, including women’s teams,” emphasized Kelvin Owusu Ansah, “Ghana will not be able to return to the level they once occupied many years ago.” This sentiment reflects a growing consensus that a long-term vision is needed to revitalize Ghanaian football and prevent future disappointments on the continental stage.
Second Half Struggles Lead to Draw
Alt text: Jordan Ayew’s jubilant celebration after scoring a free-kick goal for Ghana against Angola, a fleeting moment of hope during a match that ultimately ended in disappointment and contributed to Ghana’s failure to qualify for AFCON.
90+6″ The final whistle blows. Angola 1 – 1 Ghana. The draw confirms Ghana’s elimination.
90+5″ A late free-kick for Ghana, but Gideon Mensah’s shot is blocked by the resolute Angolan defense. The referee signals a foul against Ghana.
90+4″ CHANCE! Francisco breaks through, facing the Ghanaian goalkeeper Manaf one-on-one, but hesitates, allowing a defender to intervene and thwart the opportunity.
90+3″ Angola wastes the free-kick, sending it wide of the goal. Yellow card issued to the Ghana goalkeeper, Abdul Manaf, for the foul leading to the free-kick.
90+2″ A free-kick awarded to Angola just outside the penalty box as goalkeeper Abdul Manaf rushes off his line and fouls Zini, who was chasing a through ball. Six minutes of added time are announced. Even before the corner, Angola makes another substitution, Francisco replacing another player.
87″ Angola earns a corner, strategically delaying to run down the clock.
85″ CHANCE! Ghana substitute Ernest Nuamah bursts into the box and fires a shot, but Angola’s goalkeeper Neblu makes a crucial save. The rebound leads to a foul by Jordan Ayew. Coach Otto Addo replaces Kudus with Ernest Nuamah in a desperate attempt to find a winning goal.
84″ Time is slipping away for Ghana as they desperately seek a goal to reignite their qualification hopes. Zini chases a long ball, pressuring Ghana’s goalkeeper Manaf who comes out to clear.
82″ Milson continues to trouble the Ghana defense, creating openings for Angola. Osman Bukari enters the game, replacing Kingsley Schindler as Ghana throws more attackers forward.
80″ Another Ghana attack breaks down as Ayew’s attempted pass is intercepted by an Angolan defender.
78″ Kingsley Schindler receives a yellow card for a foul on Felicio Milson.
77″ Angola attempts to control the game’s tempo with composed passes as Ghana presses forward in search of an equalizer.
76′ CHANCE! Kudus unleashes a shot from inside the box, but it sails over the bar. His teammates express their frustration, suggesting a pass might have been the better option.
75″ Ghana tries to build an attack through Jordan Ayew, but he loses possession, and Gaspar clears the danger for Angola.
72″ Angola makes further substitutions, with Captain Fredy and Zito replaced by Nteka and Maestro.
71″ Mohammed Kudus finds space near the Angola box and tries a long-range shot, but it drifts wide of the post.
70″ Jordan Ayew drives at the Angolan defense, goes down, but recovers quickly and continues his attack, only to be dispossessed by the Angola defense who launch a counter-attack.
69″ A free-kick for Angola, taken quickly by Freddy, who shoots over the bar. Alfredo Kulembe Ribeiro appears to injure his thigh while taking the shot and receives treatment.
68″ CHANCE! Jordan Ayew penetrates the Angola area and passes to Ransford Yeboah, but the Angolan keeper comes off his line quickly, and Ransford’s touch is too heavy, allowing defenders to clear.
67″ Kudus attempts to dribble past multiple defenders but is eventually dispossessed by the resilient Angolan players. Ghana is under increasing pressure.
66″ With the scoreline as it stands, Ghana is on the verge of AFCON elimination unless they can secure a win to keep their hopes alive.
63″ GOOOOAAAAAL! Felicio Milson delivers a precise cross into the Ghana area, and substitute Wonder Zini heads it powerfully into the net. Angola equalizes, silencing the Ghanaian hopes.
62″ Kudus floats a ball into the box, Ransford Yeboah attempts to challenge the defender and keeper, but the referee blows for a foul against the Ghana substitute.
61″ Jordan wins a free-kick in a dangerous position. Kudus steps up to take it with his left foot.
59″ Ghana makes another substitution, Michael Baidoo replaced by Ransford Yeboah as they seek more attacking impetus.
58″ Angola responds with changes of their own. M’bala and Fortuna are replaced by Zini and Carneiro, injecting fresh energy into their attack.
57″ Fredy attempts a through ball behind the Ghana defense, but Gideon Mensah intercepts and clears the danger.
56″ Angola prepares to make a double substitution, sensing an opportunity to seize control of the game.
54″ CHANCE! Angola threatens again, but Razak Simpson bravely puts his body on the line to block a shot before the final effort goes over the bar.
53″ Angola regains control of the game, stringing together passes from flank to flank, patiently building their attacks.
51″ Show orchestrates play in midfield before Fortuna attempts a cross into the box, but Elisha defends effectively, conceding a throw-in.
50″ Milson and Luvumbu combine in the Ghana box, attempting a one-two, but the Ghana defense stands firm.
49″ Throw-in for Ghana as Elisha Owusu and Alidu combine to halt Milson’s progress near the touchline.
48″ Captain Freddy tries his luck from long range, but his shot soars high into the stands.
47″ Freddy of Angola goes down under pressure from Ebenezer Annan. A free-kick is awarded to Angola, but it poses no immediate threat to Ghana.
46″ The second half commences, and Ghana immediately attacks through Kudus, who goes down inside the box, appealing for a penalty, but the referee waves play on. Ghana made a substitution at halftime, Ebenezer Annan replacing Fatawu Issahaku.
Ayew’s Freekick Highlighted First Half
Halftime arrives with the scoreline at Ghana 1 – 0 Angola. Luvumbo was a constant menace for Angola in the first half, posing significant challenges to the Ghana defense.
45+3″ Fredy takes the free-kick into the Ghana box, but Kingsley Schindler heads it clear. Yellow card shown to Fatawu Issahaku for fouling Luvumbo.
45+2″ Ghana attempts to create something before halftime, but Michael Baidoo makes a poor decision and loses possession.
45″ Free-kick to Ghana as Jordan Ayew is fouled while attempting to dribble past his marker. Four minutes of added time are announced for the first half.
43″ CHANCE! The ball falls to Kudus, who drives into the Angola box and cuts it back to Michael Baidoo, but the Elfsborg forward mistimes his run and misses the ball completely.
42″ Gaspar carries the ball into midfield as Angola attempts to build pressure. Ghana tries to string passes together as halftime approaches.
41″ Free-kick for Ghana as Fortuna fouls his opponent.
40″ Angola has dominated possession for periods of the first half, but Razak Simpson has effectively dealt with the Angolan long balls.
39″ Issahaku tracks back to assist Gideon Mensah in defending a dangerous attack from Luvumbo.
38″ Since Ghana’s goal, the majority of chances have fallen to Angola, who are pushing for an equalizer.
37″ Ghana tries to relieve pressure with a long clearance from the back.
36″ CHAAANCE! M’bala gets another headed opportunity, but his effort lacks power and is easily collected by Ghana goalkeeper Abdul Manaf. The home crowd’s cheers intensify with every Angolan pass.
35″ CHANCE! Felicio Milson skillfully evades two Ghana players, enters the box, and attempts a shot, but it goes out for a corner.
33″ Leicester City forward Fatawu Issahaku appears to be in discomfort and receives treatment on the pitch.
32″ Fredy and Da Silva attempt to combine and create an opening for Angola, but their efforts lack penetration.
31″ Every Angolan attack into the Ghana area looks threatening. They attempt another cross into the Ghana box, but it sails over the bar.
29″ Zito Luvombo continues to trouble Ghana defender Gideon Mensah, but this time, the other defenders clear his cross before Jordan Ayew fouls his opponent.
28″ The Black Stars successfully defend after their keeper saves the penalty. The score remains Ghana 1 – 0 Angola.
27″ M’bala misses the penalty! Ghana keeper Abdul Manaf makes a fantastic one-handed save to deny the Angolan striker.
25″ M’bala Nzola prepares to take the crucial penalty kick.
24″ PENALTY to Angola! Lovombo’s skillful run into the box is halted by a foul from Gideon Mensah. A golden opportunity for Angola to equalize.
21″ Play resumes, and Fatawu Issahaku attempts to attack the Angola area but appears to sustain a knee injury.
Alt text: A jubilant Ghana supporter ecstatically celebrating Jordan Ayew’s free-kick goal against Angola, a moment of elation that briefly shifted the perceived time of the match in favor of Ghana, before Angola’s equalizer changed the game’s narrative.
20″ Razak Simpson goes down after an Angolan player appears to catch him with an elbow.
17″ GOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLL! Leicester City striker Jordan Ayew scores a spectacular direct free-kick from 30 yards! Ghana takes the lead 1-0.
17″ Another foul in a dangerous position in front of the Angola box, this time on Kudus.
16″ Yellow card for Show for a cynical hack on a Ghanaian player in the center circle.
14″ Both teams attempt to slow down the tempo and build attacks with passing, but the game remains somewhat scrappy.
13″ Free-kick to Ghana for Carmo’s foul on Kudus.
12″ Angola threads a through ball behind the Ghana defense, but goalkeeper Manaf comes off his line quickly to gather the ball. Angola builds pressure in the Ghana half. Angola wins their first corner. The corner kick bypasses everyone and falls to Show, but his weak header results in a free-kick for Ghana in their own area.
10″ The Black Stars attempt a long ball over the top for Jordan Ayew to chase, but Issahaku’s pass is over-hit.
9″ Angola now pushes into the Ghana area, but Razak Simpson, making his debut for Ghana, clears the danger effectively.
8″ Kudus takes the free-kick, but Angola clears. The subsequent throw-in poses no threat to the Palancas Negras.
7″ Another free-kick awarded to Ghana on the edge of the Angola area – this time Show fouls Mohammed Kudus. A promising opportunity for Ghana.
6″ Jordan Ayew strikes the free-kick, but the Angolan defense clears. Issahaku unleashes a powerful left-footed shot from the rebound, but it goes wide of the target. Ghana wins a free-kick in front of the Angola area after a foul on him.
5″ Sulemana goes down in the center circle after a heavy challenge from an Angolan player.
4″ CHAAAAAANCE! Angola breaks quickly with Zito, who beats Gideon Mensah and delivers a cross into the area, but Milson’s header lacks power and direction.
3″ Angola keeper Neblu ventures out of his box to clear a ball as a Ghana attacker attempts to chase it down. Early possession for the Black Stars, with Issahaku and Kudus exchanging passes in the Angola area.
2″ Angola begins to press high, denying the Black Stars players time and space to pass comfortably.
1″ Felicio Milson commits the first foul of the game within the opening minute. Ghana is wearing their traditional all-white jersey, while Angola is in their red strip. The home crowd immediately roars its support as the referee blows the whistle to start the game.
1″ Both teams are on the pitch as the national anthems are played, building anticipation for the crucial AFCON qualifier.
Angola vs Ghana Line-ups
Alt text: Angola’s national football team posing for a team photograph before the AFCON qualifier against Ghana, showcasing the team that had already secured AFCON qualification prior to this match and highlighting Angola’s time to shine in African football.
Angola had already qualified for AFCON with 12 points from their first four games.
Ghana XI: Abdul Manaf Nurudeen (GK), Alidu Seidu, Razak Simpson, Gideon Mensah, Kingsley Schindler, Ibrahim Sulemana, Elisha Owusu, Michael Baidoo, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew ©
Angola XI: Neblu (GK), Kialonda, Bastos, Carmo, Fredy, Hossi, Show, Fortuna, Zito, Nzola, Milson
Alt text: Image of Gelson Dala and Mabululu, key Angolan players who missed the game against Ghana due to injury, illustrating the depth of the Angolan squad despite these absences and indicating that it was Angola’s time to prove their strength.
Both Mabululu and Gelson Dala were absent from the game due to injuries.
Alt text: A photo capturing the Ghana and Angola national team players standing together before their AFCON qualifying match, symbolizing the anticipation and the crucial time for both teams as they competed for a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Angola’s coach stated before the match that his team would deliver a strong performance against Ghana, featuring talented players on a good pitch.
