Ghana kicked off preparations for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers with a disappointing home loss to Angola 1-0 at the Baba Yara Stadium on Thursday evening. This was the first time in the last 24 years that Black Stars have lost a match at the Kumasi facility, the last time was in the year 2000, AFCON match against South Africa.
Despite the fact that the Black stars were parading a splendid team, head coach Otto Addo and his team could not escape this defeat. In the beginning, Lawrence Ati Zigi was in goal with defenders including Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey Mohammed Salisu, and Abdul Mumin as defense. In central midfield, Thomas Partey was paired with Elisha Owusu; in attack, Jordan Ayew, who scored a hat-trick against the Central African Republic (CAR), played the left wing. On the opposite side, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was deployed while West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus played in front of the in-form striker Antoine Semenyo.
Despite a spirited start by the Black Stars, they were unable to create clear cut opportunities, due to wayward shooting and final thirds coming under massive pressure. The first clear chance Ghana had was in the fifth minute when Ayew got the space to deliver a good cross but did a weak cutback and Angola defense managed to clear the ball before Kudus could get to it. Soon after, from a corner kick, a shooting opportunity arose for Semenyo but the forward’s shot went off target.
Angola had a few other attempts at goal; a shot from distance by Gelson Dala flew wide while his header was easily dealt with by Ati Zigi. Kudus also attempted a shot from the right angle to challenge the Angola goalkeeper but the two teams headed to the break still tallying nil-all.
Ghana emerged from the break with renewed energy but continued to struggle in the final third, relying mostly on long-range attempts that did little to trouble Angola’s defense. Ati Zigi, once again, came to Ghana’s rescue in the 79th minute, making a crucial save to deny Dala.
As the match neared its conclusion, both Issahaku and Kudus had opportunities to score but failed to convert. In the dying moments, substitute Milson took advantage of a poor clearance from Abdul Mumin to score the decisive goal for Angola, leaving the home fans stunned.
The defeat leaves Ghana in third place in Group F, three points behind Angola and Sudan, the latter having beaten Niger the previous day. The Black Stars will be eager to bounce back in their next qualifier, where they face Niger on Monday, hoping to keep their AFCON qualification hopes alive.
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