Ghana’s hopes of reaching the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco have been ended by Angola following disappointing 1-1 draw on Friday. It is the first time since 2004 the Black Stars will not feature in the competition.
Jordan Ayew’s free-kick in the 18th minute had put the Black Stars in front, before goalkeeper Manaf Nurudeen saved a penalty from M’bala Nzola 10 minutes later to further keep Ghana’s hopes of sneaking into AFCON 2025 alive.
Despite all that, Angola, already qualified and looking to seal top spot in the qualifying group, found a way back at the November 11 stadium through substitute Zini’s header just after the hour mark.
The 1-1 draw puts Angola on 13 points after five matches, while Sudan remain second with seven points after missing a chance to seal a place in AFCON 2025 following a 4-0 loss at Niger Republic.
Niger can now qualify for AFCON by beating Ghana on Monday and hope Sudan lose to Angola in their respective final qualifying matches in the group on Monday.