At the Estádio 11 de Novembro on Friday night, Ghana’s Black Stars’ dreams of making it to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) were shattered by a 1-1 draw with Angola.
Under the direction of head coach Otto Addo, the four-time African champions put up a formidable team for the Matchday 5 qualifier. Razak Simpson gained a starting position, while Abdul Nurudeen Manaf took over despite the absence of goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi.
Already qualified for AFCON 2025, Angola got off to a fast start and came close to taking the lead in the fourth minute, but their attempt was unsuccessful. Ghana failed to capitalize despite two swift free kicks in response.
Jordan Ayew took Ghana the lead with a stunning free kick in the 19th minute. A second goal was pushed for by the Black Stars, but their finishing let them down.
After Zito Luvumbo was fouled in the box by Gideon Mensah in the 25th minute, Angola was awarded a penalty. But Abdul Manaf made a spectacular stop to keep M’Bala Nzola out of the game. Ghana maintained their 1-0 lead at halftime in spite of Angola’s dominance.
Second half
Angola increased the ante in the second half. Ebenezer Annan replaced Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, but Zini’s equalizer in the 64th minute showed that the home team’s perseverance had paid off.
Ghana had chances to take the lead again, but their bad choices in the latter third cost them. In the 76th minute, Mohammed Kudus nearly scored, but his attempt missed. Although Angola’s defense held solid, late substitutes such as the arrival of Ernest Nuamah and Osman Bukari provided new life.
Ghana finished fourth in the standings with just three points from five games in Group F as the match concluded in a 1-1 draw. The Black Stars’ prospects of making it to the 2025 AFCON were formally eliminated with this outcome.
On Monday, Ghana will play their last qualification match against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium.
