Ghana crashes out of 2025 AFCON qualification

Ghana’s aspirations of qualifying for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations ended in disappointment after a 1-1 draw against Angola in Luanda on Friday night.

The Black Stars initially raised hopes with an 18th-minute goal from Jordan Ayew, who delivered a spectacular free-kick to give Ghana the lead. However, the team failed to hold on, as Angola equalized in the 64th minute through Zine’s powerful header, extinguishing Ghana’s qualification chances.

The result marked a historic low for Ghana, a four-time AFCON champion, as they failed to qualify for the tournament for the first time in two decades. Their last absence was in the 2004 edition held in Tunisia. With just three points from five matches and no wins in the qualifiers, Ghana finished at the bottom of Group F. In contrast, Angola, having already secured their qualification, sit comfortably at the top of the group with 13 points.

For Ghana, this outcome is a bitter blow to a nation with a rich AFCON legacy and a reputation as one of Africa’s football powerhouses. The disappointment reverberates deeply among fans and players alike, as the team reflects on missed opportunities in their campaign.

Meanwhile, in Group A, Comoros celebrated a historic moment by qualifying for the AFCON for only the second time in their history. A hard-fought 2-1 victory over Gambia secured their spot in the tournament. Gambia initially took the lead through Alassana Jatta in the 18th minute, but Comoros equalized just before halftime with a precise shot from Rafiki Said. The decisive goal came in the 90th minute when substitute Myziane Maolida headed in the winner, sparking jubilant celebrations. Comoros now stand on nine points, just one behind group leaders Tunisia.

In Group B action, Morocco, already qualified as hosts, continued their dominance with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Gabon in Franceville. Gabon struck first with a goal from Denis Bouanga, but Morocco responded with five unanswered goals. Brahim Diaz scored twice, while Jamal Harkass, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Ismael Saibari each contributed a goal. Morocco’s flawless campaign sees them top Group B with 15 points from five matches and a remarkable +17 goal difference.