Ghana’s aspirations of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco were dashed after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Angola at the Estadio 11 de Novembro in Luanda.
The result marked a bitter end to a lacklustre campaign, leaving the Black Stars winless and at the bottom of their group standings after four rounds of matches.
The game started brightly for Ghana as captain Jordan Ayew gave the visitors an early advantage in the 19th minute with a spectacular free-kick from 40 yards that left the Angolan goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
However, the Black Stars’ inability to maintain their momentum soon became evident.
Angola nearly equalized in the 27th minute when Gideon Mensah conceded a penalty after fouling Zito Luvumbo in the box.
RC Lens forward M’Bala Nzola stepped up to take the spot kick, but Ghanaian goalkeeper Abdul Manaf Nurudeen produced a vital save to keep his team ahead.
Despite Nurudeen’s heroics, Angola eventually found their equalizer in the 63rd minute.
Substitute Zini Cabaca Salvador nodded home a perfectly delivered cross from Joao Felicio Milson.
Angola pressed for a winner but wasted their chances, with Nurudeen making several critical saves to deny them.
The draw sealed Ghana’s fate, marking their first failure to qualify for the AFCON since 2004.
This setback is a significant blow for one of Africa’s most storied football nations, whose fans will demand urgent answers and reforms to restore the team to its former glory.
Ghana will conclude the qualifying series on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, when they host Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Source: Ghanasoccernet.com
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