The Black Stars failed to qualify for the AFCON for the first time since 2004, drawing 1-1 against Angola in Luanda. Otto Addo made changes to Ghana’s starting lineup from the previous game against Sudan, giving Nations FC defender Razak Simpson and Michael Baidoo their first debuts for the Black Stars.
Abdul Manaf Nurudeen was also trusted in goal over Lawrence Ati-Zigi. Jordan Ayew opened the scoring for the Black Stars with a spectacular free kick from 35 yards out after Mohammed Kudus was fouled.
The Leicester City player remained behind the ball with Kudus before deciding to move ahead of the West Ham United attacker and beat the goalie after 19 minutes. Minutes later, Black Stars was found wanting as the referee awarded a penalty for a foul on Gideon Mensah in the penalty area. However, Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, who was making his competitive debut for the national team, came up huge to save M’Bala Nzola’s penalty.
Baidoo’s shot in the 44th minute was denied by the Angolan defence, and Ghana went into the break ahead. Ebenezer Annan replaced Abdul Fatawu Issahaku at the start of the second half, followed by Baidoo, who was replaced by Ransford Yeboah. Angola scored the equalizer after well defending the wide areas in the first half.
Zini, who had come on in the second half, was left unmarked in the box and connected with Milson’s cross to beat Manaf in Ghana’s goal, bringing the score at 1-1. Kudus’ shot in the 71st minute went wide of the post as the Black Stars continued to look for their second goal of the game. Minutes later, Jordan Ayew set up Ransford Yeboah for a close-range shot, which was saved.
Manaf Nurudeen saved the Black Stars again in the dying minutes, denying Angola what appeared to be a certain victory. Ghana’s final game in Accra is on Monday against Niger.
Related Article: https://www.myjoyonline.com/afcon-2025q-ghana-fail-to-qualify-for-the-first-time-in-20-years-after-1-1-draw-in-angola/
