Jordan Ayew’s stunning goal at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda was not enough to secure Ghana a victory in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Desperate for their first win of the campaign after two losses and just two points from four matches, the Black Stars were eager to strike early in the make-or-break tie in Luanda.
It was the home side that nearly broke the deadlock within the first ten minutes when Zito Luvumbo’s cross found Milson on the left side of the six-yard box.
However, his header narrowly missed the right post.
Ghana gradually found their rhythm, with Mohammed Kudus forcing Bastos of Angola to foul him and win a free kick in the attacking half.
Jordan Ayew seized the moment and delivered a stunning long-range strike into the far corner of the net to put the Black Stars ahead in the 19th minute.
Nine minutes later, Angola had the chance to equalize from the penalty spot, but M’bala Nzola’s effort was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Abdul Manaf Nurudeen.
The Black Stars went into the break with a 1-0 lead, hoping to revive their poor campaign with a crucial win.
Angola returned from halftime with renewed energy and were rewarded in the 64th minute following their dominance when Zini headed in from close range after an assist from Milson.
The hosts continued to dominate, creating several clear-cut chances, but squandered those chances. Similarly, Ghana also failed to capitalize on the few opportunities they managed to create.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving the Black Stars with just three points and automatically eliminating themselves from the 2025 AFCON, with one game in hand on Monday, November 18, 2024.
Ironically and shockingly, this marks the first time since the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia that Ghana will miss the continental showpiece. They remains winless after five matches in the qualifiers.
