AFCON 2025Q: Ghana’s hopes of qualification erodes to the bearest minimum after Sudan defeat
Sudan has dealt a significant blow to Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), defeating the Black Stars 2-0 in a crucial encounter at the Martyrs International Stadium in Libya.
Two quick-fire goals in the second half from Ahmed Al-Tash and Abdel Raman Mohamed in the 63rd and 65th minutes secured the victory for Sudan, leaving Ghana’s qualification chances in serious jeopardy.
The Black Stars, who have been a regular feature in AFCON tournaments since 2004, now face an uphill battle to qualify for next year’s edition in Morocco. This loss marks Ghana’s second defeat in the qualifiers, putting them in a precarious position with two matches remaining.
Sudan’s triumph lifts them to 7 points, and with Angola facing Niger later tonight, the scenario could get even more difficult for Ghana.
If Angola secures a victory, Sudan will need only one point from their remaining two games in November to guarantee their place in the 2025 AFCON, after a prolonged absence from the tournament.
For Ghana, the path to qualification is now a narrow one with only two points from four games. The Black Stars must win their remaining two games and hope that Sudan loses both of theirs to have any chance of making it to Morocco.
A failure to qualify would be a historic disappointment, as it would mark the first time since 2004 that Ghana has missed out on Africa’s biggest football tournament.
As things stand, Ghana’s football fraternity faces an anxious wait, knowing that their fate is now largely out of their hands. The upcoming fixtures will be critical as the Black Stars look to salvage their AFCON 2025 campaign, but they will also be keeping a close eye on Sudan’s remaining games.
With their qualification hopes hanging by a thread, Ghana will need both miracle and fortune to avoid the unthinkable – missing out on the African Cup of Nations for the first time in two decades.