2025 AFCON Qualifiers: Five things we learned as Ghana eliminated after Angola draw in Luanda

Ghana’s bid to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) came to a crushing end on Friday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Angola.

This result marks the first time in over 20 years that the Black Stars will miss out on the prestigious continental tournament.

Despite a stunning free-kick from captain Jordan Ayew, which gave Ghana an early lead, Angola fought back to equalize and ultimately dashed Ghana’s hopes of advancing. The disappointing draw underscores the team’s inability to secure a spot in the upcoming AFCON, with a qualification campaign that has left fans and officials frustrated.

Here are five key takeaways from the match:

1. Ghana Misses AFCON for the First Time Since 2004
Ghana’s 1-1 draw against Angola sealed their fate, ensuring that the Black Stars will miss out on the 2025 AFCON. This marks the first time in over two decades that the team will not compete in the tournament, highlighting their failure in the qualifiers and a significant blow to the nation’s proud AFCON legacy.

2. Jordan Ayew Leads by Example
Captain Jordan Ayew showed commendable leadership by scoring a brilliant free-kick to put Ghana ahead. His performance was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise underwhelming team display, but it wasn’t enough to secure a vital win for the Black Stars.

3. Mohammed Kudus Struggles Again
Mohammed Kudus, who has been a key player for Ghana in recent years, once again failed to make a significant impact. His struggles in this match mirrored a wider issue of inconsistency in his performances, which has plagued the team throughout the qualification campaign.

4. Otto Addo’s Tactics Under Scrutiny
Head coach Otto Addo’s tactical decisions, particularly his delayed substitutions, came under scrutiny during this crucial match. His inability to adjust when needed contributed to Ghana’s inability to maintain the lead and secure the points necessary for qualification.

5. Ghana Football in a Sorry State
This failure to qualify for the AFCON, following disappointing group-stage exits in recent tournaments, adds to the growing concerns surrounding the state of Ghanaian football. With no clear direction or leadership in sight, the Black Stars face an uncertain future and a steep challenge to reclaim their former dominance on the continental stage.