By: Nana Kwame Bediako
Ghana’s Black Stars suffered a disheartening 2-0 defeat against Sudan in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Libya. This loss has placed Ghana in a precarious position, with the team needing to secure six points from their remaining two matches to keep their qualification hopes alive.
The pressure mounts as Sudan and Angola comfortably lead the group, making Ghana’s path to AFCON in Morocco increasingly difficult.
This potential absence from the tournament would mark the first time since 2004 that Ghana might miss out, sending shockwaves through a nation where football is deeply ingrained in its cultural fabric.
The match began with Sudan showing early promise, coming close to scoring within the first 15 minutes, only to be thwarted by a crucial save from Ghana’s goalkeeper, Ati Zigi.
Despite Ghana dominating possession, the Black Stars struggled to create any meaningful chances in the first half. By the 31st minute, Sudan was enjoying more opportunities in the final third, while Ghana had yet to register a single shot on target. The first half ended goalless, with the Black Stars unable to capitalize on their possession.
The second half saw a glimmer of hope for Ghana when Inaki Williams found the back of the net from a Kudus corner in the 47th minute. However, the goal was disallowed due to an offside call, leaving the scoreline unchanged.
The momentum soon shifted in Sudan’s favor, as they took the lead in the 62nd minute with a well-executed goal. Just three minutes later, Sudan doubled their advantage, leaving Ghana with an uphill battle to salvage any points from the match.
As the final whistle blew, the reality of the situation set in for the Black Stars and their supporters. The defeat not only highlighted Ghana’s struggles in converting possession into goals but also underscored the challenges they face in the remaining qualifiers.
With Sudan and Angola in strong positions, Ghana’s chances of securing a spot in the AFCON tournament appear increasingly slim, raising concerns about the future of Ghanaian football on the continental stage.
