Ghana Misses Out on AFCON Qualification For the First Time Since 2004
For the first time in two decades, Ghana will not feature in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a 1-1 draw against Angola in Luanda ended their hopes of qualification for the 2025 tournament in Morocco.
The Black Stars, who last missed the continental showpiece in 2004, needed an away victory to keep their chances alive. However, despite a valiant effort, they were unable to secure the crucial win, leaving their final Group F match against Niger in Accra as a mere academic exercise.
Ghana took an early lead in the match, with Jordan Ayew delivering a stunning free-kick from long range to put his side ahead. Moments later, goalkeeper Abdul Manaf Nurudeen stepped up heroically to deny M’bala Nzola from the penalty spot, preserving the Black Stars’ slender lead at halftime.
Angola, already assured of their place in Morocco, equalized through Zine shortly after the hour mark. Despite Ghana’s desperate attempts to regain the lead, the match ended in a stalemate, sealing their fate in the qualifiers.
This failure marks a low point for the four-time African champions, who have struggled in recent years to replicate their former dominance. Under Otto Addo, the team has failed to secure a single victory in five Group F matches, managing just three points from a possible 15.
Meanwhile, the group remains wide open for the second qualification spot. Sudan, sitting second in the standings, need only a draw in their final game against Angola to progress.
However, Niger could leapfrog into the qualification position if they secure a win against Ghana in Accra and Sudan lose to Angola.
With just five places left to be claimed for the 24-team tournament, the 2025 AFCON is shaping up to be an exciting and competitive event.
But for Ghana, missing out will prompt serious introspection as the once-dominant footballing nation looks to rebuild and restore its former glory.