Ghana’s Black Stars saw their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) dashed after a 1-1 draw against Angola on Friday night at the Estádio 11 de Novembro.
The four-time African champions, led by head coach Otto Addo, fielded a strong squad for the Matchday 5 qualifier. Despite leaving out goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi, Abdul Nurudeen Manaf stepped up and Razak Simpson earned a starting spot.
Angola, already qualified for AFCON 2025, started aggressively and nearly took the lead in the fourth minute, but their effort went wide. Ghana responded with two quick free kicks but failed to capitalize.
In the 19th minute, Jordan Ayew gave Ghana the lead with a spectacular free-kick. The Black Stars pushed for a second goal, but their finishing let them down.
Angola earned a penalty in the 25th minute after Gideon Mensah fouled Zito Luvumbo in the box. However, Abdul Manaf produced a brilliant save to deny M’Bala Nzola from the spot. Despite Angola’s dominance, Ghana held their 1-0 advantage at halftime.
The second half saw Angola ramping up the pressure. Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was replaced by Ebenezer Annan, but the home side’s persistence paid off in the 64th minute when Zini levelled the score.
Ghana created opportunities to regain the lead, but poor decision-making in the final third proved costly. Mohammed Kudus came close in the 76th minute, but his effort went wide. Late substitutions, including the introduction of Osman Bukari and Ernest Nuamah, brought renewed energy, but Angola’s defense held firm.
The match ended in a 1-1 stalemate, leaving Ghana with just three points from five games in Group F and sitting fourth in the standings. With this result, the Black Stars’ chances of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON were officially over.
Ghana will host Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday in their final game of the qualifiers.
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