Ghana’s aspirations to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have been officially dashed following a 1-1 draw with Angola on November 15, 2024. Despite a spectacular free-kick goal by Jordan Ayew, which gave Ghana the lead in the 19th minute, the team could not secure the victory needed to advance.
Angola managed to equalize in the 64th minute through Zini’s header, securing their place in the competition while leaving Ghana at the bottom of Group F with just three points from five matches. This outcome marks the first time in over two decades that Ghana, a four-time African champion, will miss the AFCON tournament, with their last absence occurring in 2004.
The result underscores a period of struggle for the Black Stars, reflecting broader issues of inconsistency and missed opportunities throughout their qualifying campaign. Despite individual moments of brilliance, like Ayew’s free-kick, the team’s collective performance was not enough to clinch qualification, leading to widespread disappointment among fans and within the football community.
