For the first time in 20 years, Ghana’s Black Stars have failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following a 1-1 draw with Angola in Luanda on Friday evening.
The result leaves Ghana at the bottom of Group F, with no chance of securing a place in the tournament scheduled for Morocco in 2025.
Unfulfilled Hopes
Ghana’s campaign was on the brink entering the match, with just two points from four games. A victory was essential to stay in contention for one of the two qualification spots in the group. However, Angola, already leading the group with an unbeaten home record, proved too resilient for the struggling Black Stars.
Captain Jordan Ayew sparked hope with a 19th-minute free-kick that put Ghana in the lead. Moments later, goalkeeper Abdul Manaf Nurudeen made a crucial penalty save to deny N’bala Nzola, keeping Ghana ahead at halftime.
The second half, however, saw Angola dominate, with substitute Zini leveling the score in the 64th minute. Despite late efforts from both sides, the match ended in a stalemate, effectively ending Ghana’s qualification hopes.
A Campaign of Disappointment
The Black Stars’ performance in the qualifiers has been a shadow of their former dominance. Angola and Sudan have secured the top two spots in Group F with 12 and 7 points, respectively, leaving Ghana’s final group match against Niger in Accra on Monday as a formality.
This campaign mirrors the disappointment of 2004, the last time Ghana failed to qualify for AFCON. That year, the team struggled in a three-team group with Rwanda and Uganda, managing only four points from four matches.
What Lies Ahead
The failure to qualify for AFCON 2025 raises questions about the team’s management, coaching, and overall strategy. With the World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, Ghana must reflect on this campaign and undertake significant rebuilding to restore the team’s reputation as a continental powerhouse.
Fans, who have witnessed decades of Black Stars excellence, are calling for a renewed commitment to excellence and accountability to ensure such setbacks become a rarity.
