The 47-year-old coach has faced severe criticism following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

The Black Stars’ poor showing in the qualifiers, where they ended with three draws and three losses in six matches, placed them at the bottom of Group F with only three points.

This result marks the first time in 20 years that Ghana, a four-time AFCON champion, will not participate in the tournament set to take place in Morocco next year.

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Nunoo Mensah stated that accountability is crucial in light of the team’s failure and supported the public’s demand for Addo’s removal.

“Ghanaians have every right to call for the sack of the coach,” he said.

“I believe that somebody must take responsibility for Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the AFCON tournament. For failing to win a single game in the qualifiers and also failing to qualify for is a total embarrassment,” he added.

The Black Stars are now looking to regroup and improve their performance as they prepare to face Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers scheduled for March 2025.

Meanwhile, Otto Addo’s future remains uncertain.

The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is yet to make a final decision after holding an extensive meeting last week to review his technical reports following the team’s disappointing campaign.

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The Black Stars, four-time African champions, will miss the tournament scheduled to be held in Morocco next year after finishing last in Group F. Over six matches, the team failed to secure a single victory, recording three draws and three losses.

Reflecting on this setback, which marks the first time Ghana has missed AFCON in 20 years, Pappoe highlighted the team’s struggles in recent tournaments as a warning sign.

“Everyone associated with football is not happy about what has gone on, that Ghana will not be part of the assembly of African footballing nations at the AFCON 2025,” he said.

“It’s very unfortunate and I think it is something that causes a lot of pain. My assessment is that it is an unfortunate situation and an unfortunate development.

“Of course, it was coming considering our performances in the past two AFCON tournaments. It was something which was clear for all of us to see that things were not going well with the team.

“Our performances have not been anything to be proud of in the qualifiers. We saw signs, and the signals were clear on the wall, so this is not entirely surprising,” he added.

Despite the disappointment, attention now shifts to the Black Stars’ future. The GFA’s Executive Council is set to decide on the fate of head coach Otto Addo.

Meanwhile, the team will prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with crucial matches against Chad and Madagascar scheduled for March 2025.

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For the first time in two decades, Ghana will not participate in the AFCON tournament in Morocco, finishing at the bottom of Group F with only three points.

The team recorded three draws and three losses across six matches, leading to calls from football fans for a complete overhaul of both the players and the coaching staff.

Reflecting on the team’s disappointing run in the qualifiers, Asante Twum admitted the performance was below par.

He noted that in previous years, the Black Stars would often secure qualification with a match or two remaining in the campaign.

Henry Asante Twum
“Black Stars’ performance in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers was not good enough, and I admit that,” he said on News File on Joy FM.

“When we lost against Angola, I knew it could come back to haunt us. I can pick out our game against Angola in Kumasi and probably against Sudan in Accra. We were not good enough in the rest of our games.

“This is not the standard of the Black Stars because in previous qualifiers, with two games or a game to spare, we were already there.”

He emphasized that the current standard of the team is far below what it used to be, with previous qualifiers seeing the Black Stars seal their spot well before the final matches.

“We knew mathematically there was a chance for us, but we also needed to win our games and pick up some points on the road. Once that did not happen, the players began to panic, and once injuries began to set in, it made everything difficult.”

Despite the setbacks, Asante Twum acknowledged that the team’s overall performance in the qualifiers was inadequate.

“But generally, the performance of the Black Stars in the qualifiers was not good enough,” he added.

The GFA Executive Council is set to meet on Wednesday to discuss the future of head coach Otto Addo, following the team’s failure to qualify for AFCON.

Looking ahead, the Black Stars will now focus on the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with matches against Chad and Madagascar scheduled for March 2025.

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The senior national team ended their qualification campaign at the bottom of Group F, managing just three points without a single victory in six games. This marks Ghana’s first absence from the AFCON tournament in 20 years.

Despite widespread calls for Otto Addo’s dismissal, Sannie Daara believes the coach should be retained but highlighted key missteps that contributed to the team’s poor performance.

One major issue, according to Daara, was Addo’s handling of André Ayew.

“The decision not to include André Ayew, at a time when he had not excluded himself from the team and was back playing, was poorly handled. I think he should have left the window open for André to make his own decision. That would have earned him respect from many,” he told Joy FM’s News File.

Daara also criticized the manner in which the national team phases out former players, saying, “Ex-players often complain about the way we retire players in Ghana. Otto could have managed the situation much better.”

André Ayew last played for the Black Stars during international friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda in March but has not been featured since.

The Ghana Football Association’s Executive Council is set to meet on Wednesday, November 27, to determine Otto Addo’s future with the team.

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For the first time in 20 years, the four-time African champions will not feature in the continental tournament, which is set to take place in Morocco.

Ghana’s poor showing in Group F of the qualifiers—comprising Sudan, Niger, and Angola—saw the team finish at the bottom after six matches, managing only three draws and three losses.

“Simply put, the situation we find ourselves in is extremely embarrassing. Of course, we’ve missed the AFCON about six times. I remember when Rwanda knocked us out [in 2003] and we couldn’t qualify for one [in 2004], but this is extremely embarrassing for a lot of reasons, not least being the fact that the team itself is not playing well,” Thompson told Joy Sports.

Thompson acknowledged that missing out on qualification can happen in football but pointed out that the ongoing underperformance of the Black Stars makes this failure especially troubling.

“If the team is playing well and we don’t qualify, that’s football. But the team is not playing well and has not been playing well for a very long time. I can put my foot down and say that maybe after Brazil [2014 World Cup], we have not been good, and I can say that maybe there’s something wrong somewhere,” he added.

Drawing from conversations with football insiders, including former foreign coaches and Ghana Football Association (GFA) officials, Thompson highlighted deep systemic issues within the team.

“Fortunately for me, I have access. I have spoken to the people at the top of the FA, I have spoken to some of our past foreign coaches, and it’s extremely embarrassing the kind of things we hear,” he noted.

He urged swift and decisive reforms to prevent further deterioration, warning that complacency could have dire long-term consequences.

“What is important now is that we need cool heads and to take drastic decisions. If we don’t have the leaders to take these drastic decisions, we will just tinker with things and remain where we are,” he warned.

Meanwhile, the future of head coach Otto Addo remains uncertain, with the GFA expected to make a decision on his position on Wednesday, November 27, following the team’s failure to secure qualification.

After six matches, Ghana finished bottom of Group F with just three points, having secured three draws and suffered three losses.

As a result, the Black Stars will miss the AFCON for the first time in two decades, with the tournament set to be hosted in Morocco next year.

Despite calls for the dissolution of the team’s technical staff and players, Afriyie Ankrah, speaking on GHOne TV, urged the nation to forgive the team.

He reflected on the lingering effects of the 2014 World Cup crisis, stating, “I think that as a country, we never actually exorcised the issues that came about during the 2014 World Cup,” he said.

“I think that there was too much focus on the drama. Of course, when issues happen, it’s news. But the root causes were not dealt with. So, I think that as a country, we need to forgive them; we need to let them go. I know what I’m talking about. Any adult person will understand what I’m saying. As a country, we need to let them go.”

Afriyie Ankrah also pointed out a disconnect within the Black Stars, citing comments from the coach about the negative public perception towards the team.

“You see, the coach said something; nobody has paid attention to it. He said part of the reason why they lost the Niger match was because of the hatred of Ghanaians towards him and the team. And people didn’t pay attention to that. Now, that has a lot of implications, even for him.

“But if you want to look at it from that perspective, when I watched Kudus going to play the penalty, what were the chants? Away, away. So there’s a disconnection somewhere in the country. Every nation has a soul.”

The Black Stars now shift their focus to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, starting in March 2025, with matches against Chad and Madagascar.

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The apology came after an Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday.

In an official statement, the GFA expressed regret over the team’s inability to meet the nation’s expectations, saying:

*”The Ghana Football Association (GFA) wishes to express its sincerest apologies to the good people of Ghana for the Black Stars’ inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.

“We understand the disappointment and frustration this failure has caused, and we share in the pain and sadness of our beloved fans. We acknowledge that the team’s performance fell short of the high expectations of the nation, and for that, we are truly sorry.

“We would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal football fans for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout the qualifying campaign. Your passion and dedication drive us to strive for excellence.”*

The Black Stars, four-time AFCON champions, failed to qualify for the prestigious tournament for the first time in 21 years. They finished at the bottom of Group F, which included Niger, Sudan, and Angola, marking the end of a consistent run of qualifications since 2006.

This latest setback adds to a string of disappointing performances in recent years, including early exits at the group stage in the last two AFCON tournaments.

Acknowledging the frustrations of fans, the GFA vowed to work towards improvement, promising that “Ghanaians deserve better.”

To address the team’s struggles, the GFA announced plans to hold a retreat on November 28, bringing together stakeholders to deliberate on the way forward for Ghanaian football.

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Despite their illustrious history as four-time AFCON champions, Ghana endured a disappointing qualification campaign, failing to win any of their six matches.

The team finished last in Group F with just three points after three losses and three draws. This marks the first time in 20 years that the Black Stars will miss the continental tournament, the last absence being in 2004.

Frustration among fans reached a boiling point after a 2-1 defeat to Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium during the final round of qualifiers.

“I would like to apologize to Ghanaians for the massive disappointment of not qualifying for the AFCON,” Asante Twum told Asempa FM.

“I have followed the Black Stars for two decades, and I have not seen anything like this before. We went into qualifiers, played six games, and didn’t win a single one. I have never seen that before,” he added.

With no top-two finish in their group, Ghana’s focus now shifts to preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which are set to begin next year.

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This marks the first time in two decades that Ghana, a four-time AFCON champion, will not compete in Africa’s premier football tournament.

The Black Stars finished last in Group F, failing to secure a single victory, with three draws and three losses.

In their final two qualifiers, Ghana drew 1-1 against Angola in Luanda and suffered a 2-1 defeat to Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium.

“It is very bitter for us and also a big blow for Ghana football because this is the first time in over 20 years that we are not qualifying for the competition,” Tanko told Flashscore.

“It is not good for us, the former players, as well as the Ghana Football Association. We are definitely going to feel it.”

Tanko also pointed out that while the national team has the talent, some key players were unavailable for these crucial matches.

“In terms of players, we have them. For these games (vs Angola & Niger), some players did not come, yet we still had a very good squad to compete.”

“Qualification for tournaments has always been easy for Ghana except for this one. The GFA needs to sit down and analyze what is happening. There is no tournament where we haven’t gone past the group stage, but in recent times, we have not made it out of the group stage.”

Despite his frustration, Tanko acknowledged the evolving nature of international football, where no team can be considered an underdog anymore.

“Consider the teams we faced! In the past, everyone could predict the outcomes against Ghana, but football has completely evolved.”

“Today, every country boasts talented players, both in their domestic leagues and abroad. Take Sudan, for example—their league may not be top-tier, but their national team is excelling, even leading their World Cup qualification group ahead of Senegal. This shows how competitive football has become across the board.”

Tanko emphasized that this shift applies to all countries, not just Ghana.

“This applies to other countries as well, not just Ghana. Everyone knows how to play football now, so you must prepare thoroughly, just as you would when facing any of the top teams.”

Ghana’s qualification campaign began with a 1-0 loss to Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium, followed by a 1-1 draw with Niger.

The Black Stars had hoped to turn their fortunes around against Sudan but were held to a 0-0 draw in Accra before suffering a 2-0 defeat in the return leg.

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The team concluded their qualification campaign with three defeats and three draws, earning just three points to finish fourth in their group. This disappointing performance cost them a spot at the tournament scheduled to take place in Morocco next year.

Speaking to Asempa FM’s Ul, Asante Twum highlighted that the team’s struggles at home played a significant role in their failed qualification bid.

“Losing to Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium was the genesis of the Black Stars’ problems in the qualifiers because playing away was always going to be difficult. I was shocked when we lost, and I told some people at the FA, including the coach [Otto Addo], that this would come back to haunt us,” he explained.

He further noted, “We were hoping to bounce back against Sudan, and it did not work. The same against Sudan in the doubleheader. We failed to take advantage of our home games, and that was a major factor and setback as to why we could not qualify for the AFCON.”

Ghana’s campaign began with a 1-0 loss to Angola, followed by a 1-1 draw against Niger. In a doubleheader against Sudan, the team failed to score in a goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium before losing 2-0 in the return leg. They later drew 1-1 with Angola in Luanda and concluded with a 2-1 defeat to Niger in their final group game.

With the AFCON dream now out of reach, the Black Stars will shift their focus to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, set to resume in March 2025.

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The 25-year-old forward, who plays for Real Madrid, leapfrogged Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, who had led the charts with six goals after Matchday 5.

Playing in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at the Stade d’Honneur d’Oujda, Díaz produced a sensational first-half performance, scoring three goals within 45 minutes.

His efforts propelled Morocco to a flawless qualifying campaign, winning all six Group B matches with a +24 goal difference.

Guirassy, who had scored his sixth goal to secure Guinea’s vital 1-0 win over DR Congo on Matchday 5, failed to find the net in the final round as Guinea faced Tanzania.

This allowed Díaz to overtake him in dramatic fashion, finishing with seven goals.

The race for third place in the scoring charts saw multiple players, including Algeria’s Amine Gouiri, Zambia’s Kingsley Musonda, and Egypt’s Trezeguet, tied with four goals each.

As Morocco prepare to host the tournament, Díaz’s form underscores the Atlas Lions’ attacking prowess, marking them as one of the favorites for the AFCON 2025 title.

Top Scorers:

1. Brahim Díaz (Morocco) – 7 goals
2. Serhou Guirassy (Guinea) – 6 goals
3. Amine Gouiri (Algeria), Kingsley Musonda (Zambia), Trezeguet (Egypt) – 4 goals

The four-time African champions will miss the AFCON tournament for the first time in 20 years after a 1-1 draw with Angola in their Matchday five fixture last Friday.

The team concluded their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 loss to Niger on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium, finishing last in Group F with just three points.

Despite the disappointing outcome, Shardow expressed pride in the team’s efforts.

“It’s only the results which are yet to come, but if you look at the performances of the team in most of the games, we performed better than the results that we got,” he stated on Happy FM.

He emphasized that the team often outperformed their opponents despite the results not reflecting their efforts.

“If we are going to be honest and factual about happenings, our first game against Angola, did anything suggest to you that we deserved to lose the game? When you pipe down the emotions and go deeper into the details and analyze just the games, you’ll see that we performed well. If the performance of the team in all the games that we played is anything to go by, Ghana was supposed to top the group if we are only looking at the performance unless you want to be blind to the fact.”

In response to the team’s failure, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council is set to meet today to deliberate on the way forward.

The senior national team’s campaign ended in disappointment, finishing at the bottom of Group F with just three points and no wins from six matches.

Their qualification hopes were dashed after a 1-1 draw against Angola in Luanda last Friday and a 2-1 defeat to Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday.

Reacting to the underwhelming performance, Shardow admitted in an interview with Happy FM that the outcome was painful and a major letdown for Ghanaians.

“We have let Ghanaians down by failing to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON),” he told Happy FM.

“It hurts because I can’t even go home because my family is hurt like I am.”

“We have disappointed the country, and it hurts that we could not qualify for the tournament,” he added.

Ghana’s struggles in the qualifiers began with a 1-0 home defeat to Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium, followed by a 1-1 draw with Niger in Berkane. In a doubleheader against Sudan, the team managed a goalless draw in Accra but suffered a 2-0 loss in the return leg in Libya.

The Black Stars’ failure to secure a place in AFCON 2025 marks a significant blow to the team’s reputation, sparking widespread disappointment among fans and officials alike.

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The Falcons of Jediane secured their spot in the tournament following a goalless draw against Angola in the final round on Monday, finishing second in Group F with 8 points, behind Angola, who topped the group.

Following the achievement, Appiah, alongside assistant coach Ignatius Osei-Fosu and goalkeeper coach Eric Amponsah, celebrated in the dressing room by dancing to King Paluta’s popular song ‘Aseda.’

Appiah, who was appointed earlier this year on a three-year contract, achieved this remarkable feat despite Sudan’s ongoing political turmoil, which forced the team to play all their matches away from home.

Sudan, whose only AFCON title came in 1970 when they hosted the tournament, has faced difficulties in the modern era. The team has reached the knockout stage only once and qualified for just three of the last 24 editions.

However, with Appiah now at the helm, Sudan is aiming to make a strong impact in the 2025 AFCON. This will mark Sudan’s first AFCON appearance since 2012.

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Ghana, a four-time African champion, endured a disappointing campaign, finishing last in Group F with just three points from six games.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Saanie Daara emphasized the need for a measured response instead of immediate sackings.

“I want to warn against a trigger-happy approach,” he stated. “When issues like this happen, we are often too eager to say, sack this person or that person.’ But it’s more prudent to take a considered approach, assess what went wrong, and then make informed decisions.”

He acknowledged that responsibility for the poor performance lies with the coach, players, and management, but stressed that any changes must be based on a detailed analysis of the qualifiers.

“We need to look at what went wrong. Was it the coaching? The management? The players? Only after a thorough analysis can we determine the best course of action,” he explained.

Saanie Daara, currently a CAF Senior Media Officer, highlighted the importance of stability and continuity, citing Ghana’s recent recovery from past setbacks.

“Remember, we came from a point where we couldn’t even perform well at AFCON, yet we qualified for the 2022 World Cup. That showed promise,” he noted.

He also criticized the GFA Executive Committee for its lack of communication, describing their silence as “deafening.” While advocating for reforms, Saanie Daara cautioned against dismantling the team’s progress entirely.

“Radical changes might be necessary, but they must not destroy what has already been built. Fix what is broken, but don’t tear everything down,” he concluded.

The GFA’s Executive Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to review the team’s performance and determine the way forward.

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This marks the first time in 20 years that Ghana will miss the tournament, scheduled to be held in Morocco.

The Black Stars’ AFCON hopes were dashed after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Angola in Luanda and a 2-1 defeat to Niger in their final group game.

Speaking on Joy News, Saanie Daara attributed the team’s underwhelming performance to inadequate preparation and widespread disorganization in Ghanaian football.

“Our campaign was wishy-washy,” he said. “At a time when other teams were well-prepared, we were juggling issues like where to play our matches, the state of our pitches, and dealing with last-minute challenges.”

Saanie Daara, who also serves as a CAF Senior Media Officer, highlighted the absence of eight key players in the crucial game against Niger, emphasizing the toll of recurring injuries and management lapses.

“While injuries and personal reasons are understandable, it reflects deeper issues in how the team is managed,” he stated.

He also criticized the tactical decisions of coach Otto Addo and the leadership of the GFA, expressing disappointment in their handling of the campaign.

“Toward the end of the campaign, the way the coach handled the team raised concerns. The Management Committee and the Executive Committee of the GFA also failed to rise to the occasion,” he noted.

While recognizing the potential of Ghana’s youthful squad, which showed promise during the 2022 World Cup, Saanie Daara warned that talent alone is not enough to achieve success.

“Something radical must happen, but the radical nature of it must not completely destroy what has been built. We need reflection, careful planning, and better leadership to avoid repeating these mistakes,” he concluded.

The GFA Executive Council is expected to meet on Wednesday to evaluate the team’s performance and determine the next steps for Ghana football.

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Finishing at the bottom of Group F with just three points from six matches, Ghana’s elimination marks a significant setback for the national team.

Okraku shared his thoughts on Facebook, reflecting on the sharp contrast between the Black Stars’ recent successes and their current failure.

“From the highest heights of world football on the 29th of March 2022 to the lowest ebb of AFCON qualifying matches. My heart bleeds,” Okraku began, referring to Ghana’s qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup as a moment of pride, now overshadowed by their inability to secure a spot in AFCON 2025.

He acknowledged the disappointment felt by fans and stakeholders, recognizing that the team’s current performance falls far short of expectations.

“Definitely, this is not what we want or what we bargained for,” he wrote. “At this point, only cool heads can win, and we as leaders of our sport will stay together, be honest with ourselves, and fix this problem.”

Okraku described the road to recovery as a challenging one, but expressed optimism for the future.

“The road to full recovery after normalization is definitely bumpy and rough, but our collective efforts and patience will win, and Ghana, our beloved country, will win,” he said.

As both a fan and leader, Okraku empathized with the nation’s frustration.

“As a Black Stars fan and as the leader, I share in your pain and in our pain,” he wrote, reiterating his commitment to guiding the team through this difficult period.

Despite the setback, Okraku remained hopeful that the Black Stars will emerge stronger in the future.

“We will rise from this temporary setback. It shall be well,” he concluded.

Ghana’s failure to qualify for AFCON 2025 represents a historic low for the nation’s football, attracting widespread criticism of both the team’s performance and the GFA leadership.

Okraku’s call for unity and introspection signals a potential turning point for the sport in Ghana.

In response to the disappointing result, the GFA’s Executive Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to discuss the way forward.

The Mena secured the win over the Black Stars in their final Group F match on Monday afternoon at the Accra Sports Stadium, leaving Ghana at the bottom of the group.

In his post-match comments, Zaki explained that his team approached the game with confidence, having studied Ghana’s recent performances in international tournaments.

“From the last AFCON, we knew that the Ghanaian team can score, but they also concede goals,” he remarked. “And our last match against Sudan gave us the confidence that we could do it.”

Niger’s triumph was unexpected, especially considering the significant challenges the team faced, according to Zaki.

“Most of my players are amateurs in Niger. For those outside, they traveled 18 hours before games and often arrived a day before the match,” he explained.

He also highlighted how logistical difficulties affected their preparations, particularly for away matches.

“Our flights often took over an hour, even from Lomé to Accra. If we had a plane that could make these trips in a shorter time, it would have helped a great deal,” Zaki added.

Despite these obstacles, Niger’s victory further compounded Ghana’s struggles, as the Black Stars ended the group stage without a win and finished last in Group F.

This defeat marks Ghana’s failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2004.

The Black Stars ended their AFCON qualifying campaign without a single win, finishing fourth in Group F with only three points. Their hopes were dashed on Monday following a 2-1 defeat to Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Speaking after the match, Addo reflected on the team’s challenges and defended his decision to stay on despite mounting calls for his resignation.

“I’m not the person who can resign. If I had done this, I’d never have become a player or even a coach,” the 47-year-old declared.

“If you know where I have come from as a person to arrive at this job, you wouldn’t even ask about resignation.

“People shouting and telling me to resign can’t affect me.”

Addo admitted that the team’s inability to defend set pieces had been a critical weakness, including during the loss to Niger.

“We started okay but conceded a goal from a set piece. We were aware because the last time we met, they scored from a corner. Surely, we have to defend these set pieces better,” he said. “It seems everything is going against us.”

Despite the disappointment, Addo highlighted some bright spots, particularly the performances of debutants who, he believed, justified their selection.

“There are some positives, especially from players who hadn’t played before but did well today,” he added.

The coach also urged the media and fans to support the team, emphasizing the importance of uplifting the players rather than assigning blame.

“The media has the power to control the narratives of games, not only the results. You have the power to lift somebody up,” he stated. “I really need you to leave the players alone because they gave us everything.”

This marks the first time in 21 years that Ghana will miss the AFCON tournament.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council is set to meet on Wednesday to deliberate on the team’s failure and determine the next steps.

The team’s hopes were dashed last week following a 1-1 draw with Angola in Luanda during Matchday 5 of the qualifiers.

Their struggles continued on Monday when they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium in their final group match.

After the game, Otto Addo expressed deep regret over the team’s performance, apologizing to Ghanaians during his post-match remarks.

“I am ready to apologize. I am so sorry that we did not do well and qualify,” the 47-year-old said. “I know how it feels and how Ghanaians are hurt. I am so sorry.”

Ghana endured a dismal qualification campaign, failing to win any of their six matches. The Black Stars managed just three points, finishing at the bottom of Group F in what has been described as one of their worst performances in recent history.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is set to convene on Wednesday to evaluate the team’s failure and determine the next steps to rebuild the squad and restore confidence among fans.

This marks a significant setback for the four-time African champions, who must now regroup and refocus their efforts on future competitions.

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The qualification was sealed after Sudan played out a goalless draw against Angola in their final Group F match on Monday at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Libya.

Sudan finished second in the group with eight points, behind Angola, who topped the group with 14 points.

Appiah, appointed on a three-year contract earlier this year, achieved this feat despite Sudan’s political instability, which forced the team to play all their matches away from home. Undeterred, the team secured crucial points to book their spot in Africa’s premier football tournament.

A standout moment in their campaign came in October when Sudan stunned Appiah’s former team, Ghana, with a 2-0 victory. This win proved decisive in their qualification bid.

Appiah’s achievement draws parallels to the late Sir Jones Attuquayefio, another Ghanaian coach who famously led Benin to the 2004 AFCON—a year when Ghana failed to qualify.

This year, history repeated itself as Ghana’s Black Stars ended their campaign at the bottom of Group F, failing to win a single match and scoring only three goals in six games.

Sudan, who won their only AFCON title in 1970 as hosts, have struggled in the tournament’s modern era. They have advanced beyond the group stage just once and qualified for only three of the past 24 editions.

However, with Appiah at the helm, they now look forward to making their mark in the 2025 edition.

Ghana’s hopes of securing a spot at next year’s tournament in Morocco had already been dashed after a 1-1 draw with Angola last weekend at the Estádio 11 de Novembro. The result left the four-time African champions needing a win in their final match to salvage pride after a disappointing campaign.

Head coach Otto Addo made significant changes to his lineup for the game against Niger, aiming to end a five-match winless streak. However, the team struggled to find form once again. Niger took the lead in the 22nd minute through Ousseni Badamassi, who struck decisively to put his side ahead by halftime.

The Black Stars looked disjointed in the second half until the introduction of debutant Jerry Afriyie from Thought FC. Afriyie made an immediate impact, scoring in the 67th minute with a clinical finish from Ernest Nuamah’s cross to level the game.

Despite the equalizer, Niger reclaimed the lead in stoppage time when Oumar Sako found the back of the net in the 92nd minute. Ghana had a chance to salvage a point when awarded a penalty in the 96th minute, but Mohammed Kudus missed the spot-kick, sealing Ghana’s fate.

The loss leaves Ghana at the bottom of Group F with just three points from six games, marking their first failure to qualify for the AFCON in 21 years. Angola and Sudan advanced from the group to the tournament.

Attention now shifts to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where Ghana will face Chad and Madagascar in March 2025. Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association’s Executive Council is set to meet on Wednesday to discuss the team’s performance and future plans following this historic disappointment.

For the first time in 21 years, the four-time AFCON champions will miss the prestigious competition, which is set to take place in Morocco next year.

Ghana needed a victory over Angola in their Matchday 5 clash after Niger’s 4-0 win against Sudan gave them a crucial opportunity.

However, Otto Addo’s side was held to a 1-1 draw by the Palancras Negras on Friday at the Estádio 11 de Novembro, leaving them in 4th place in Group F with only three points.

In response to the Black Stars’ failure to qualify, Alhassan, speaking on Adom TV’s Sports Arena, criticized the GFA, claiming that the football association should bear responsibility for hiring Otto Addo as the national team coach.

Ghana will finish their qualification campaign with a home match against Niger on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the game scheduled to kick off at 16:00 GMT.

Video below:

READ ALSO

• Otto Addo responds to dismissal calls after Black Stars’ AFCON qualifier failure
• 2025 AFCONQ: We want to honour ourselves by beating Niger – Black Stars coach Otto Addo

Ghana’s AFCON hopes were dashed following a 1-1 draw against Angola on Friday at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda. The Black Stars needed a win to keep their qualification chances alive, especially after Niger thrashed Sudan 4-0 earlier.

Jordan Ayew’s stunning first-half free-kick gave Ghana the lead, but Zini’s second-half header leveled the score, ending Ghana’s AFCON ambitions.

Speaking to Akoma FM, Agyemang-Badu was candid about the team’s struggles.

“Our team lacked the quality to qualify for the AFCON,” he said.
“The problem has been ongoing for a while, and the sad part is that we celebrate mediocrity and deceive ourselves into thinking everything is fine after a single win. I nearly cried yesterday.”

Ghana currently sits at just three points after five qualifying matches. Their final qualifier is scheduled for Monday against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium, with kick-off set for 16:00 GMT.

READ ALSO

• No organisation, leadership or direction: Ghana are wasting a generation of talent
• 2024/25 GHPL MD 11 Wrap: Kotoko woes deepen as Nations FC defeat them, Hearts of Oak edge past Karela United

Algeria’s Dominance

Already assured of first place in Group E, Algeria showed no signs of complacency at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium.

The Fennecs, unbeaten in their last 19 AFCON qualifiers, extended their streak with a commanding display that further underscored their dominance.

Liberia stunned the home crowd early with a sixth-minute goal from Sampson Dweh, but Algeria responded swiftly.

Aïssa Mandi equalized in the 20th minute before Riyad Mahrez gave the hosts the lead with a deft header in the 29th minute.

The second half belonged entirely to Algeria, as Baghdad Bounedjah, Amine Gouiri, and Mohammed Amoura all found the net to complete the rout.

Gouiri’s goal—a sublime finish to the bottom left corner—stood out as one of the match’s highlights.

Algeria finished the group stage with 16 points, scoring 16 goals and conceding just two.

Their unbeaten run and defensive solidity further cement their status as one of the favorites heading into Morocco 2025.

Togo Salvages Pride

In Lomé, Togo ended their qualifying campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over second-placed Equatorial Guinea.

Despite being eliminated from the tournament, the Sparrowhawks showed resilience, snapping a three-game losing streak in TotalEnergies CAF AFCON qualifiers.

Yaw Annor opened the scoring in the 14th minute, while Kevin Denkey doubled the lead early in the second half with a stunning long-range strike.

Annor capped off a brilliant individual performance with his second goal in the 87th minute.

For Equatorial Guinea, the defeat had no bearing on their qualification for AFCON 2025, as they had already secured their spot.

However, the loss ended their 10-game unbeaten run in qualifiers, exposing vulnerabilities that may require attention ahead of the tournament.

Group E Final Standings

• 1st: Algeria – 16 points (5 wins, 1 draw)
• 2nd: Equatorial Guinea – 8 points (2 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses)
• 3rd: Togo – 5 points (1 win, 2 draws, 3 losses)
• 4th: Liberia – 4 points (1 win, 1 draw, 4 losses)

The team’s hopes of participating in next year’s tournament in Morocco were dashed after a 1-1 draw against Angola on Friday. The result has intensified calls for Addo’s dismissal, with fans voicing frustrations over the team’s poor performance.

The Black Stars are currently winless after five rounds of qualifiers, sitting fourth in Group F with only three points and having scored just two goals.

Responding to critics, Addo highlighted his experience under some of football’s most respected coaches, including Jürgen Klopp, former Borussia Dortmund coach, and Matthias Sammer. He emphasized the value of mentorship under such figures.

“I trained under Sammer. I trained under Klopp; I was assistant to Edin Terzic, who was Dortmund’s head coach,” Addo told the press.

“They are also critical of some things, but this has much more value if I speak to Jürgen Klopp and he says this or that than somebody from anywhere saying blah blah, this is bad.”

Addo acknowledged the team’s disappointing results, admitting: “People can judge me, and surely, most people can judge me by my results, which were not good.”

The Black Stars are set to conclude their qualifying campaign with a home match against Niger on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium, with kick-off at 16:00 GMT.

Following a 1-1 draw against Angola last Friday, Ghana was officially eliminated from contention for the competition, which is set to be hosted in Morocco next year.

However, the team will face Niger on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium in a bid to finish third in Group F.

Speaking during a pre-match press conference on Sunday, Addo stressed the importance of delivering a strong performance.

“We are looking forward to tomorrow [to beating Niger], not to end up last,” he remarked.

“We want to beat them [Niger] for our honour and for third place,” he added.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 16:00 GMT.

Ghana currently sits fourth in Group F with three points after five matches, having recorded three draws and two defeats.

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Monday features three matches at 18:00 CAT, with Nigeria hosting Rwanda in a Group D match in Uyo; as well as two Group F matches, with Ghana at home to Niger in Accra and Sudan hosting Angola in Benghazi.

For the Uyo match, Nigeria are safely qualified, while Rwanda need to claim an away win over the Super Eagles and hope that Benin lose their concurrent game away to Libya in Tripoli in order to qualify.

As for the Group F clashes, Ghana have been eliminated and Angola are secure in their place at the next AFCON, leaving Sudan in need of just one point against the Palancas Negras to join them in qualifying for Morocco 2025.

The Black Stars meanwhile, will want to at least end a disappointing qualifying campaign by claiming a first win: “I trained under Sammer. I trained under Klopp; I was assistant to Edin Terzic, who was Dortmund’s head coach,” said a defiant Ghana coach Otto Addo.

“They are also critical of some things, but this has much more value if I speak to Jurgen Klopp and he says this or that than somebody from anywhere saying blah blah, this is bad. People can judge me, and surely, most people can judge me by my results, which were not good.”

The focus on Tuesday will fall on Botswana looking to secure qualification alongside Egypt from Group C when the teams meet in Cairo. The Zebras need to avoid defeat, or hope that Mauritania do not win at home to Cape Verde in a match in Nouakchott – this will see Botswana qualify for just the second time, adding to their appearance at the AFCON in 2012.

Other teams chasing qualification on the final day are Mozambique (who are second behind already-qualified Mali and need only avoid a loss by more than a goal away to Guinea-Bissau in Group I) as well as Tanzania.

The Taifa Stars are third in Group H behind already-qualified DR Congo and Guinea, and their task is a simple one: win at home to the Syli National in Dar es Salaam and they will qualify for a third tournament in the space of four AFCON editions.

“The next game is more challenging because to qualify for the AFCON finals we need to win at home. We have to plan to ensure we return to the AFCON finals,” said Tanzania coach Hemed Morocco.

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• Broadcast details

Monday 18 November

• 18:00: Nigeria v Rwanda – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 3 and SuperSport Maximo 3
• 18:00: Ghana v Niger – LIVE on SuperSport Football
• 18:00: Sudan v Angola – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 360

Tuesday 19 November

• 15:00: Kenya v Namibia – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 4
• 15:00: Cameroon v Zimbabwe – LIVE on SuperSport PSL
• 18:00: South Africa v South Sudan – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport Variety 4 and SuperSport Maximo 3
• 18:00: Congo v Uganda – LIVE on SuperSport Action
• 18:00: Sierra Leone v Zambia – LIVE on SuperSport Football
• 18:00: Tanzania v Guinea – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 3
• 18:00: Guinea-Bissau v Mozambique – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 2, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 360
• 18:00: DR Congo v Ethiopia – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga
• 21:00: Egypt v Botswana – LIVE on SuperSport PSL

The new additions are Medeama SC right-back Kamaradini Mamudu, Heart of Lions defender Ebenezer Abban, and Thought FC forward Jerry Afriyie. Their inclusion aims to address the absence of key players, including Alidu Seidu, Gideon Mensah, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, and captain Jordan Ayew.

Mamudu has impressed in the Ghana Premier League this season, netting two goals in nine appearances from his right-back position and earning a Man of the Match award.

Abban, a center-back for Heart of Lions, has been a standout performer, playing in all 11 league games and helping his team climb to third place in the standings.

Afriyie, whose call-up has been widely anticipated, has made significant strides with the Ghana Under-20 team. He was part of the Black Satellites squad that clinched gold at the 2024 African Games and was named both best player and top scorer at the WAFU Zone B U-20 Cup of Nations in Togo.

The trio will join the Black Stars’ training session on Sunday, competing for a chance to feature in Monday’s match. Ghana, currently with just three points from five games, is determined to end the qualifiers on a strong note.

The game against Niger will kick off at 16:00 GMT.

According to a statement by the GFA, Alidu Seidu and Gideon Mensah, who had to pass late fitness tests for the Angola game, have been ruled out after further post-game medical assessments revealed they are unfit for selection.

Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku sustained injuries during the Angola match. Although Ayew completed the game, MRI scans in Accra revealed significant issues with his knee. Issahaku, on the other hand, was substituted in the first half due to his injury.

Following consultations between Black Stars’ medical head Dr. Prince Pambo and Leicester City’s medical team, Ayew and Issahaku will rejoin their respective clubs on Sunday to begin rehabilitation.

Ghana will not participate in the 2025 AFCON tournament after drawing 1-1 with Angola on Friday. After five games, the Black Stars sit fourth in Group F with three points. With no chance of progress, the match against Niger now holds no significance for Ghana as they remain bottom of Group F.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars will hold their final training session on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium.

This marks the first time in 21 years that Ghana will miss the Africa Cup of Nations.

The team’s hopes of reaching the continent’s premier football tournament were dashed following a 1-1 draw against Angola in their Matchday 5 clash at Estádio 11 de Novembro.

Ghana had entered the game needing a win against Angola and another victory in their final match against Niger. Their chances were briefly revived after Sudan suffered a 4-0 defeat to Niger. However, the Black Stars failed to capitalize on the opportunity.

Reflecting on the campaign, the 45-year-old coach emphasized the importance of home results, stating that winning away matches is significantly harder due to the strength of host teams.

“In general, we have to look at all the games we played, especially our home games,” Addo stated.

“We lost to Angola, where we were better. In these tournaments, you have to win your home games; very, very important.

“And if you don’t win, it is always difficult to play away and try to win because every nation is strong at home,” he added.

Ghana’s home performance during the qualifiers included a draw and a loss, leaving them at the bottom of Group F with just two points after five games.

With no chance of progressing, their final match against Niger holds no significance.

This elimination marks a significant setback for the Black Stars, who will miss the AFCON for the first time in 21 years.

Otto Addo’s team is set to regroup for their final Group F match against Niger, scheduled to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday.

Ghana entered the match against Angola needing a win to stay in contention for qualification, compounded by a surprising 4-0 victory by Niger over Sudan, which kept the group’s dynamics unpredictable. Despite their efforts, the Black Stars were held to a 1-1 draw at the Estádio 11 de Novembro.

With five games played, Ghana sits at the bottom of Group F with just three points—10 points behind group leaders Angola, five behind Sudan, and one point adrift of Niger in third place.

The Black Stars will hold their final training session later today in preparation for the Niger clash.

However, with qualification now mathematically out of reach, the match has no bearing on their campaign.

This result marks a significant disappointment for Ghana, as they fail to qualify for the AFCON tournament for the first time in 21 years.

The 2025 edition will be held in Morocco.

This result marks the end of Ghana’s hopes of participating in the tournament, set to be hosted in Morocco next year, ending a 21-year streak of consistent AFCON appearances.

Speaking after the match, head coach Otto Addo expressed disappointment in the team’s performance and acknowledged Angola’s achievement in securing qualification.

“There’s not much to say. Congratulations to Angola for qualifying for the AFCON. They didn’t have to lose today. You could see they played freely; we were more under pressure, and they pressed us very well and held us down in our half,” Addo said.

Ghana’s qualification campaign has been underwhelming, with the team managing only three draws and suffering two defeats in a group featuring Angola, Sudan, and Niger. These results left the Black Stars without enough points to advance.

Addo pointed to a lack of intensity and focus as major reasons for the team’s poor showing.

“We were missing our intensity, and I think it was not good enough from our side,” he admitted.

The coach also emphasized the importance of capitalizing on home advantage, which Ghana failed to do during the qualifiers.

“In general, we have to look at all the games we played, especially our home games. We lost to Angola, where we were better. In these tournaments, you have to win your home games; very, very important.

“And if you don’t win, it is always difficult to play away and try to win because every nation is strong at home,” he explained.

The Black Stars will conclude their Group F campaign on Monday with a final match against Niger in Accra, though the game holds little significance for Ghana, whose qualification hopes are already dashed.

Speaking on GTV Sports Plus, Addae-Mensah expressed his disappointment and urged Otto Addo to step aside.

“I think Otto Addo came in with good intentions to help the team but it has not worked and in life, we don’t get everything right but for the fact that he has failed to qualify for the AFCON, I think Otto Addo must lay down his tools and leave,” he said.

Ghana’s hopes of participating in next year’s tournament in Morocco were dashed after a 1-1 draw against Angola on Friday night at the Estádio 11 de Novembro.

The Black Stars needed a victory to remain in contention after Niger’s dominant win over Sudan on Thursday.

Despite a stunning free-kick goal by Jordan Ayew in the first half, Angola’s Zini levelled the score in the second half, leaving Ghana with just three points from five games.

The result leaves the Black Stars at the bottom of Group F, effectively ending their qualification campaign.

With qualification now out of reach, Ghana’s final Group F match against Niger on Monday, November 18, at the Accra Sports Stadium has become a mere formality.

The game will be played for pride, as it will not affect the Black Stars’ standings in the qualifiers.

READ ALSO

• 2025 AFCONQ: Ghana’s chances of qualification crashed after draw at Angola

• Former Asante Kotoko coach and ex-Ghana star Michael Osei passes away

The four-time African champions, led by head coach Otto Addo, fielded a strong squad for the Matchday 5 qualifier. Despite leaving out goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi, Abdul Nurudeen Manaf stepped up and Razak Simpson earned a starting spot.

Angola, already qualified for AFCON 2025, started aggressively and nearly took the lead in the fourth minute, but their effort went wide. Ghana responded with two quick free kicks but failed to capitalize.

In the 19th minute, Jordan Ayew gave Ghana the lead with a spectacular free-kick. The Black Stars pushed for a second goal, but their finishing let them down.

Angola earned a penalty in the 25th minute after Gideon Mensah fouled Zito Luvumbo in the box. However, Abdul Manaf produced a brilliant save to deny M’Bala Nzola from the spot. Despite Angola’s dominance, Ghana held their 1-0 advantage at halftime.

The second half saw Angola ramping up the pressure. Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was replaced by Ebenezer Annan, but the home side’s persistence paid off in the 64th minute when Zini levelled the score.

Ghana created opportunities to regain the lead, but poor decision-making in the final third proved costly. Mohammed Kudus came close in the 76th minute, but his effort went wide. Late substitutions, including the introduction of Osman Bukari and Ernest Nuamah, brought renewed energy, but Angola’s defense held firm.

The match ended in a 1-1 stalemate, leaving Ghana with just three points from five games in Group F and sitting fourth in the standings. With this result, the Black Stars’ chances of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON were officially over.

Ghana will host Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday in their final game of the qualifiers.

The game will take place at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda, where Ghana is in search of their first win in the campaign.

Goalkeeper Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, who plays for Belgian Pro League side Eupen, starts between the posts.

In defense, Nations FC’s Razak Simpson earns his debut alongside Kingsley Schindler, with Gideon Mensah and Alidu Seidu completing the backline.

The midfield features Elisha Owusu and Ibrahim Sulemana, while the attacking responsibilities fall to Mohammed Kudus, Michael Baidoo, and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku. Jordan Ayew will spearhead the attack as the lone striker.

Starting XI below:

Currently sitting fourth in Group F, Ghana faces a must-win scenario against the Palancas Negras to keep their qualification hopes alive following a sluggish start to the campaign.

After the Angola fixture, the Black Stars will host Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday in their final group-stage match.

With a place in the 2025 tournament at stake, Ghana needs a win to stay in the running, especially after Niger’s recent 4-0 victory over Sudan revived Ghana’s slim qualification hopes.

The Black Stars have struggled in the qualifiers, collecting only two points in four matches, which places them at fourth in the group.

Despite initial expectations, Ghana’s performance has included two draws and two losses, putting their AFCON ambitions in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, Angola has had a dominant qualifying run, easily defeating Ghana and Sudan in their initial games and then beating Niger in a doubleheader last month.

Angola’s forward, Zini, scored early in their last game against Niger, securing their eighth straight win across all competitions.

The team is currently unbeaten in 12 matches since their 1-0 friendly loss to Morocco in March, and they’ve managed seven clean sheets while scoring 21 goals in this stretch.

Ghana, which has qualified for the last ten AFCON tournaments, started their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Angola.

Following that, they managed two draws with Niger and Sudan before a 2-0 loss to Sudan in Benghazi, where goals from Ahmed Al-Tash and Mohamed Abdel Raman dashed Ghana’s hopes.

To qualify, Ghana must now win their final two matches to have a chance at overtaking Sudan for second place.

Ghana faces an uphill battle on foreign ground with only one away win in the past two years.

For their continental hopes to remain alive, the Black Stars need to deliver a strong performance.

Form in AFCON Qualifiers:

• Angola: W-W-W-W
• Ghana: L-D-D-L

Head-to-Head Record

• Matches: 5
• Angola: 1
• Ghana: 2
• Draws: 2

Team News

Angola’s lineup includes midfielder Aldair Ferreira, who may make his international debut. Captain Fredy is set to earn his 60th cap, a significant milestone.

For Ghana, key players including Thomas Partey, Antoine Semenyo, Joseph Paintsil, Alexander Djiku, Inaki Williams, Ibrahim Osman, and Tariq Lamptey are unavailable.

This has opened the door for Osman Bukari, along with Ransford Yeboah Koningsdorffer, Forson Amankwah, Terry Yegbe, Ebenezer Annan, and Kingsley Schindler, who have all received late call-ups.

Mohammed Kudus will also be back after serving a suspension with West Ham.

Predicted Lineups

• Angola: Neblu, Fortuna, Gaspar, Bastos, Carneiro, Show, Maestro, Fredy, Milson, Mabululu, Luvumbo
• Ghana: Ati-Zigi, Mensah, Seidu, Aidoo, Opoku, Sulemana, Kudus, Simpson, Ayew, Fatawu, Paintsil

Match Prediction: Angola 1-1 Ghana

With numerous Ghanaian players missing and only one clean sheet in their last four qualifiers, the odds favour Angola slightly.

The four-time AFCON champions are facing a challenging qualification campaign and risk missing out on the tournament for the first time in 20 years.

Ghana started its qualifying campaign with a 1-0 loss to Madagascar at Baba Yara Stadium, followed by a 1-1 draw against Niger. Hopes were high for a rebound in a doubleheader against Sudan; however, they were held to a 0-0 draw at the Accra Sports Stadium and later suffered a 2-0 defeat in the return leg.

These disappointing results have left the Black Stars in 4th place in Group F, with just two points. Niger’s 4-0 win over Sudan on Thursday in Lomé has given Ghana a glimmer of hope, but they must win their remaining matches against Angola and Niger while hoping Sudan loses to Angola.

Ahead of the crucial match against the Palancas Negras, Addo, 45, expressed confidence in his players’ mental readiness.

He told the Ghana FA website, “I think mentally the boys are ready. I’m looking forward to that game. It’s time for our first victory in this competition.”

He added, “It’s a great opportunity to keep our chances alive.”

The match is scheduled to kick off at 19:00 GMT.

The Black Stars, who are still in search of their first win in the ongoing campaign, will travel to face Palancras Negras at the Estádio 11 de Novembro for Matchday 5.

After completing their training session on Thursday, Addo spoke to the Ghana FA website, stating that despite Angola’s AFCON qualification, he expects a tough and closely contested match against the team coached by Pedro Gonçalves.

“Yeah, these are difficult games. You can’t take it for granted that they will play, let’s say, 50 per cent or so. I know that they (Angola) will be 100 per cent ready. It’s going to be difficult, it’s an away game. It’s going to be very, very tight, I know,” he said.

The coach also expressed confidence in his players’ mental readiness, emphasizing that the time has come for Ghana to secure their first win in the qualifiers to keep their hopes of qualification alive.

“But I think mentally the boys are ready. I’m looking forward to that game. It’s time for our first victory in this competition. I think it’s a great opportunity to keep the chance alive.”

The match is set to kick off at 19:00 GMT.

Currently, Ghana sits 4th in Group F with only two points from four matches. However, the Black Stars’ hopes of qualifying remain intact after Niger’s 4-0 win over Sudan on Thursday.

To advance, Ghana must win their remaining games against Angola and Niger, while also hoping for a Sudan defeat to Angola.

The Black Stars will face Angola at the Estádio 11 de Novembro later tonight in a crucial Matchday 5 fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, with the match set to kick off at 19:00 GMT.

Addo and his players are eager to secure their first win of the qualifiers after a disappointing start.

Ahead of the game, the former Borussia Dortmund talent coach assured that his squad is in great form.

“Yeah, the boys look sharp and in really good condition,” the 45-year-old told the Ghana FA website.

“It’s a good atmosphere. We know about the importance of this match. For me, the boys look ready and sharp and like I said, it’s been a good atmosphere,” he added.

Currently, Ghana is in 4th place in Group F with just two points from four games. However, the Black Stars have been given a glimmer of hope following Niger’s 4-0 victory over Sudan on Thursday.

To stay in the qualification race, Otto Addo’s side must beat Angola and Niger while hoping Sudan loses to Angola.

Ayew, who plays for Leicester City, has been named captain for the upcoming matches against Angola and Niger, with Thomas Partey absent from the squad.

Commenting on Ayew’s appointment, Badu, a former Black Stars midfielder and U-20 World Cup winner, urged the new captain to connect with the players both on and off the field.

He advised Ayew to visit his teammates in their rooms to establish a rapport and provide guidance on the challenges of playing for the senior national team.

“Jordan Ayew is the senior most player in the team for now. I will urge him to talk to the guys and visit them in their rooms. I did the same with his brother at the U-20 level, like what Asamoah Gyan and the likes of Stephen Appiah were doing,” he told Ahotor FM.

He further explained the importance of helping the younger players understand the culture and pressures of international football.

“Talk to them because they don’t know the terrain, the socialization and the culture. Tell them that this is a demanding and football nation. Our supporters demand a lot.

With over 12 years of experience in the national team, Ayew is well-versed in the demands of international football, Badu noted.

“Jordan has been in the national team for more than 12 to 13 years and he knows the ‘ins and outs” and the odds. I know that he can calm them and go into the games with good preparations,” he added.

Ghana will face Angola later tonight at the Estádio 11 de Novembro, before playing Niger in their final home game at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, November 18.

Following Niger’s 4-0 victory over Sudan on Thursday, the Black Stars must win both matches and hope Sudan loses to Angola in order to secure qualification for AFCON 2025.

Ghana will face Angola’s national team, Palancas Negras, in the fifth round of the qualifiers at Estádio 11 de Novembro, with kick-off set for 19:00 GMT.

Addo emphasized that strong fan support boosts player morale, while harsh criticism can have the opposite effect, creating a challenging atmosphere for the players.

He urged Ghanaians to reduce the criticism and back the team wholeheartedly in their quest to defeat Angola.

“I ask for your support. When players feel at home, they give their best. But in a toxic environment, it’s hard for them to perform. They’re human, and they need our support. We all want Ghana to win and succeed,” Addo said.

The 45-year-old coach also shared the technical team’s efforts to foster a positive environment, aiming to build the players’ confidence ahead of the match.

“Our staff is working to make the players feel comfortable, focusing on both the positive and negative aspects of previous games. We created plenty of scoring opportunities, so now it’s about converting them into goals,” he added.

With only two points from four games, Ghana faces an uphill battle to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON. However, following Niger’s 4-0 victory over Sudan, the Black Stars still have a chance—now needing to win both against Angola and Niger to qualify.

Thursday’s results on Matchday 5 saw six more nations — Nigeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon — clinch their spots, joining a growing list of African football powerhouses ready for the tournament.

The confirmed teams represent a blend of regular AFCON contenders and rising forces in African football.

Host nation Morocco automatically qualified, alongside notable teams like Senegal and Algeria, who secured early qualification through consistent performances.

Egypt and title holders Cote d’Ivoire also bring strong legacies to the competition, with both countries boasting numerous AFCON titles.

Several teams have made a comeback to the continental stage.

DR Congo, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea will look to make an impact, while Uganda and Gabon are back with ambitions to advance deep into the tournament.

For South Africa, qualification marks a return to Africa’s biggest football stage after previous disappointments.

The qualification phase isn’t over yet. Matchday 5 matches continue into Friday and Saturday, with Matchday 6 next week set to confirm the remaining teams, rounding off the 24-nation lineup for Morocco 2025.

Anticipation is building as the final slots are contested, with top African teams and emerging challengers vying to be part of the action.

The 15 countries qualified for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025

Morocco

Burkina Faso

Cameroon

Algeria

DR Congo

Senegal

Egypt

Angola

Equatorial Guinea

Cote d’Ivoire

Uganda

South Africa

Gabon

Tunisia

Nigeria

The team arrived in Luanda on Wednesday evening after beginning their training camp in Accra on Monday. In their mandatory pre-match session, the Black Stars focused on strengthening their bid to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a rocky start to the qualifiers.

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— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) November 14, 2024

Thursday brought some encouraging news for Ghana as Niger delivered a surprising 4-0 victory over Sudan in Group F’s penultimate qualifying round. This result pushed Ghana to fourth place with two points, keeping their qualification hopes alive.

One team, one goal. ☝🏾#BlackStars | #AFCON2025Q pic.twitter.com/s0FtGJfJsB

— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) November 14, 2024

A victory against Angola on Friday would move the Black Stars up to third place with five points, just two points behind second-placed Sudan.

For a better shot at qualification, Ghana will also need to defeat Niger in their next match on Monday, November 18, and hope Angola beats Sudan the same day.

The highly anticipated showdown between Angola and Ghana is set to kick off at 18:00 GMT on Friday at the Estádio 11 de Novembro.

The match saw Niger take an early lead in the 6th minute with a goal from Daniel Sosah, who plays for Kryvbas in Ukraine’s top league.

Youssef Oumarou doubled their advantage, and Sosah extended their lead with a penalty, making it 3-0.

Despite a second-half push by Sudan, led by coach Kwesi Appiah, the Falcons of Jediane could not recover, with Ousseini Badamassi adding a fourth for Niger.

The win lifts Niger to third place in Group F with four points from five matches, behind already-qualified Angola and Sudan, who have 12 and 7 points, respectively.

For Ghana, the result is a significant boost. Had Sudan earned a point, Ghana would have been officially eliminated from the tournament. Now sitting at the bottom of the group, the Black Stars still have a chance to qualify.

A win against Angola in their next match will elevate them to third place with five points, just two behind Sudan and one above Niger.

Ghana’s path to qualification will hinge on a victory over Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, November 18, 2024, combined with a favorable result for Angola against Sudan.

If those conditions are met, the Black Stars could leapfrog Sudan to claim the final qualification spot in Group F.

The Palancas Negras, already confirmed for the upcoming tournament, will face the Black Stars in a crucial Matchday 5 encounter at the Estádio 11 de Novembro on Friday, November 15.

Gonçalves, who guided Angola to a 1-0 win over Ghana in their Group F opener at the Baba Yara Stadium, is determined to repeat that success against Otto Addo’s side.

While acknowledging the talent of Ghana’s squad, which boasts players from across Europe and Portugal, Gonçalves pointed out that the Black Stars have been struggling recently—a situation Angola aims to exploit.

“They have wonderful players worldwide, including in Europe and Portugal. But unfortunately, they’re not in the best moment now. I appreciate the work Otto Addo is doing for Ghana, even though it’s a challenging time. It’s just an unfortunate situation, but this is football,” he said.

“We’re in a good moment. We go into games with the mindset to beat the opponent, honour our country, and enjoy the match.

“This is our philosophy, and we will be brave on the pitch and try to beat one of Africa’s best on Friday,” he added.

After facing Ghana, Angola will conclude their Group F campaign on November 18 with a match against Sudan in Togo.

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The team, along with their coaching staff, departed from Ghana on Wednesday evening. They had been training in Accra, where they held three productive sessions before making the journey to Luanda.

Currently, Ghana is in third place in Group F, with just two points from four matches, trailing both Angola and Sudan.

Despite a challenging start to the qualifiers, the Black Stars are aiming to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament.

Ghana will conduct their official training session at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda on Thursday, November 14, at 20:00 GMT.

Angola currently leads Group F with a perfect record of 12 points from four matches. They are 10 points ahead of Ghana and 5 points ahead of second-place Sudan.

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— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) November 14, 2024

Head Coach Otto Addo and the team took off from Accra to Luanda on Wednesday evening after several days of rigorous training.

The squad held three intensive sessions at Accra Sports Stadium this week before heading to Angola.

The lineup includes seasoned players and fresh talents, such as Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, Joseph Wollacott, Alidu Seidu, Kingsley Schindler, Nathaniel Adjei, Gideon Mensah, Ibrahim Sulemana, Elisha Owusu, Michael Baidoo, Emmanuel Antwi, and Razak Simpson. Also joining are Jordan Ayew, Osman Bukari, Ernest Nuamah, Ransford Yeboah Koningsdorffer, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Francis Abu, and Forson Amankwah.

With Mohammed Kudus and Jordan Ayew expected to lead the offensive, the team will hold a final training session in Luanda on Thursday, November 14, to acclimate and sharpen their tactics for the crucial clash against Angola.

This match is a pivotal opportunity for Ghana to advance toward a 2025 AFCON qualification.

The Black Stars will conclude their qualifiers at home with a final game against Niger on Monday at Accra Sports Stadium.

The players – Razak Simpson, Isaac Afful, and Emmanuel Antwi – are in Ghana’s squad for the upcoming matches against Angola and Niger.

Local players often receive limited playing time on the national team, but Manso argues that with Ghana’s low 10 percent chance of qualifying, it’s time to give these players an opportunity.

In an interview with Asempa FM, Manso said, “The local players invited by Otto Addo should be given the chance to play against Angola and Niger.”

“Our chances of qualifying for AFCON are about 10 percent, so I think the local players in the squad deserve an opportunity to prove themselves,” he explained.

Manso also believes that showcasing local talent on the national stage would boost the Ghana Premier League and inspire other players to aim for the Black Stars.

“It would be beneficial for the Ghana Premier League and motivate other players to work harder,” he added.

The Black Stars will travel to Luanda today for their match against Angola on Friday, November 15, at Estádio 11 de Novembro. They’ll then return to Accra to host Niger on Monday, November 18, at the Accra Sports Stadium.

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• 2025 AFCONQ: Black Stars are determined to give their best in final games – GFA chief
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Ghana will be hosted by already-qualified Angola in the Matchday five games at the Estádio 11 de Novembro on Friday, November 15, before a final game against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, November 18.

Despite several key players withdrawing from the squad for various reasons, Asante Twum says the players are ready and determined to give their best in the final games.

“The players are determined to put up a good performance,” he assured during an interview with Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

“The technical team held a meeting with the players to discuss the task ahead of them, and the players are ready to give their best in their final games.

“We know it wouldn’t be easy given the circumstances, but the players are ready to give their best,” he added.

After camp on Monday, the Black Stars will fly to Luanda later today for their game against Angola.

Currently, the Black Stars sit in third place in Group F, with only two points from their four matches, trailing both Palancas Negras and Sudan. However, they are aiming to qualify for the 2025 tournament in Morocco against all odds.

To qualify, the Black Stars must win both games and hope Sudan loses their matches against Niger and Angola.

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• 2025 AFCONQ: Black Stars can cause an upset in Luanda – Henry Asante Twum
• 2025 AFCONQ: Ghana’s chances of qualification are very low – Angola coach