Ghana’s Black Stars are set for a high-stakes clash against Angola on Friday, with their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Sudan’s 4-0 defeat to Niger on Thursday has breathed life into Ghana’s campaign, presenting them with a narrow path to qualification if they can secure wins in their remaining games.
Ghana enter the Angola match under immense pressure, having gone winless in their last four outings. They must now secure victory against the already-qualified Angolans to keep their hopes alive.
The team will then need another win in their final game against Niger while hoping that Sudan, currently in control of the group’s second qualifying spot, lose to Angola in their last match.
The recent group upset in Togo saw Niger dismantle Sudan, thanks to a powerful performance led by forward Daniel Sosah, who scored twice. Ousseini Badamassi and Youssef Oumarou also contributed, leaving the group open with Angola, Sudan, Niger, and Ghana all vying for the tournament’s last qualifying berth from the group.
Although Sudan hold the advantage, needing just a point against Angola to qualify, Ghana remain determined. If they manage to secure a win on Friday and then against Niger, the Black Stars will be in a strong position - though they still rely on Angola to triumph over Sudan.
A failure to qualify for AFCON 2025 would mark Ghana’s first absence from the tournament since 2004, adding even greater urgency to Friday’s crucial showdown.