By: Lloyd Mahachi

Ghana’s hopes of participating in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 have been dashed following a 1-1 draw with Angola in their qualifying match. The Black Stars needed a win to keep their slim chances alive, but the draw leaves them at the bottom of Group F with just three points from five games.

Ghana, four-time Africa Cup champions, have played in 24 editions of the tournament, but will now miss out for the first time since 2004. Angola, already qualified, started strong in front of their home fans in Talatona but Ghana’s Jordan Ayew opened the scoring with a brilliant free kick from distance in the 18th minute.

Angola’s M’Bala Nzola had a chance to equalize with a penalty, but Ghana goalkeeper Abdul Manaf Nurudeen saved his spot kick. However, the home team persisted, and Felicio Milson set up Zini to equalize in the 64th minute.

Ghana’s loss meant they needed two wins from their final two games and hoped group rival Sudan would lose both their games. However, with Angola already qualified and Niger beating Sudan 4-0, Ghana’s chances were slim. Niger can now qualify as group runners-up behind Angola.

Other teams that secured their qualification on Friday include Zambia, Mali, Zimbabwe, Comoros, and Nigeria. Tunisia, South Africa, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon had already clinched their spots on Thursday. Morocco, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Algeria, DR Congo, Cameroon, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Angola had previously qualified.

The qualifying rounds continue through Tuesday, with five spots still available in the 24-team tournament. Ghana will play Niger on Monday in their final group game, but it will be a mere formality for the Black Stars.

Editor: Josephine Mahachi