Ghana’s Black Stars have missed out on the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time since 2004 after a 1-1 draw against Angola in Luanda dashed their qualification hopes.
Head coach Otto Addo made notable changes to the lineup, introducing Nations FC defender Razak Simpson and Michael Baidoo for their first starts, while Abdul Manaf Nurudeen was preferred in goal over Lawrence Ati-Zigi.
The Black Stars took the lead in the 19th minute through a stunning 35-yard free kick from Jordan Ayew. Following a foul on Mohammed Kudus, Ayew lined up alongside Kudus before unleashing a powerful strike past the Angolan goalkeeper.
However, Angola responded minutes later when referee Hamada Nampiandraza awarded them a penalty for a foul by Gideon Mensah. Debutant Nurudeen rose to the occasion, denying M’Bala Nzola from the spot to preserve Ghana’s lead.
Michael Baidoo nearly doubled the advantage just before halftime, but his effort was blocked, leaving Ghana to head into the break with a narrow lead.
In the second half, Angola capitalized on a lapse in Ghana’s defense. Substitute Zini found himself unmarked in the box and converted Milson’s cross in the 65th minute to equalize.
Despite Ghana’s push for a winner, with Kudus and Ransford Yeboah missing key opportunities, the team could not find the decisive goal. Nurudeen was again instrumental in the final moments, making a crucial save to deny Angola a late winner.
With this draw, Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire are officially over. The Black Stars will play their final Group F match against Niger in Accra on Monday.
