Angola will look to extend their dominant form in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers as they face Ghana at Estádio 11 de Novembro on Friday.
While Angola aims to secure their top spot in Group F, Ghana is desperate for a win to keep alive their fading hopes of reaching next year’s continental tournament in Morocco.
Angola’s Path to Success
Angola has been on an impressive run, sweeping past Ghana, Sudan, and Niger with ease to maintain their perfect record. In their last outing, Angola edged out Niger 1-0, courtesy of an early strike from Zini. This victory marked Angola’s eighth consecutive win across competitions and extended their unbeaten streak to 12 matches since a narrow 1-0 loss to Morocco in a friendly in March.
Defensively resilient and potent in attack, Angola has recorded seven clean sheets in this period while netting 21 goals. They currently lead Group F with a five-point cushion over second-placed Sudan and sit comfortably ahead of Ghana, who trail in third. Angola stands alongside teams like Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria as one of the few nations with a perfect qualification record.
Ghana’s Struggle to Stay in the Race
Ghana, a staple in AFCON tournaments for the past decade, has endured a challenging qualifying campaign. They opened with a 1-0 defeat to Angola and managed only draws against Niger and Sudan before suffering a 2-0 loss to Sudan in their last match, leaving them with just two points from four games. Quick goals from Sudan’s Ahmed Al-Tash and Mohamed Abdel Raman sank Ghana in their last outing, pushing them to the brink of elimination.
To qualify, Ghana must win their remaining games and hope that Sudan falters. The Black Stars will also have to overcome their poor away form, with only one win on the road in the past two years, as they face a determined Angola.
Team News and Lineups
Angola: Angola’s squad sees the addition of midfielder Aldair Ferreira, who could make his international debut. Team captain Fredy, approaching his 60th cap, is expected to lead the side. Angola’s potential starting lineup includes Neblu; Fortuna, Gaspar, Bastos, Carneiro; Show, Maestro, Fredy; Milson, Mabululu, and Luvumbo.
Ghana: The Black Stars are without key players including Thomas Partey, Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Ibrahim Osman, and Tariq Lamptey. Osman Bukari returns to bolster the squad, while star attacker Mohammed Kudus is also set to return after a suspension. Ghana’s possible lineup includes Ati-Zigi; Mensah, Seidu, Aidoo, Opoku; Sulemana, Kudus, Simpson; Ayew, Fatawu, and Paintsil.
Prediction
Ghana’s depleted squad faces a tough challenge against Angola’s in-form side. However, we predict a hard-fought match with a likely 1-1 draw as Ghana battles to keep their slim qualifying hopes alive.
