Sudan delivered a stunning performance to secure a 2-0 victory over Ghana in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers on Tuesday. The match, played at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi, Libya, saw the Falcons of Jediane take full advantage of Ghana’s defensive weaknesses, leaving the Black Stars reeling from their fourth consecutive winless game. The defeat places Ghana in a precarious position in their qualification campaign.
The game was fiercely contested, but Ghana struggled to find their rhythm from the start. Despite dominating possession early on, the Black Stars failed to convert their chances, and Sudan capitalized on their lack of coordination at key moments. Ghana’s defense, particularly, was vulnerable, allowing Sudan the opportunity to punish them with crucial second-half goals.
Sudan’s breakthrough came in the 62nd minute, following a defensive mix-up between Gideon Mensah, Alidu Seidu, and goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi. Sudanese forward Ahmed Al-Tash, who plays for Libyan side Asswehly, capitalized on the confusion to fire home the opener. The Black Stars were left stunned as their defensive lapse gave Sudan the edge they needed to break the deadlock.
Just three minutes after the first goal, Sudan struck again. Al-Hilal Omdurman forward Mohammed Abdel Raman outmuscled Ghana defender Mohammed Salisu and slotted the ball into the far post, leaving Ati Zigi with no chance. The quick succession of goals dealt a heavy blow to Ghana’s confidence and virtually sealed the victory for Sudan.
The defeat has added to Ghana’s woes, as they are now winless in their last four competitive matches. This poor run includes two draws and two losses, putting their qualification hopes for AFCON 2025 in serious jeopardy. With only two games remaining, Ghana faces an uphill battle to secure their place in the tournament, which will be held in Morocco.
Sudan’s victory, meanwhile, puts them in a strong position in Group F. They now have seven points from four matches, trailing group leaders Angola, who have nine points from three games. Angola’s upcoming fixture against Niger could further complicate Ghana’s chances, as a win for Angola would see them qualify for the AFCON finals and leave Ghana’s hopes hanging by a thread.
Ghana’s defeat to Sudan means that Angola has already secured their qualification for AFCON 2025, regardless of the outcome of their remaining matches. This development leaves the Black Stars with little room for error as they head into their final two qualifiers. Even if Ghana wins both matches, they can no longer overtake Angola in the standings.
Sudan, coached by James Kwesi Appiah, a former Ghana manager, now needs just one more point from their remaining two games to secure their spot in Morocco 2025. With fixtures against Niger and Angola ahead, Sudan is in a favorable position to complete their qualification campaign successfully.
The defeat is a major setback for Ghana, whose fans had high hopes for a strong performance in the AFCON qualifiers. The team will need to regroup quickly and find a way to turn their fortunes around if they are to keep their slim qualification hopes alive. However, with their recent form, it will take a significant effort to bounce back.
Sudan’s tactical discipline and Ghana’s defensive errors defined this crucial match. The Black Stars’ path to AFCON 2025 now appears uncertain, while Sudan moves closer to securing their place in the prestigious tournament.
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