Ghana’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign took a major blow on Thursday as they were held to a goalless draw by Sudan in Accra. The Black Stars, four-time African champions, now find themselves in a precarious position, sitting third in Group F. They trail group leaders Angola by four points and are two points behind Sudan, a team competing amidst the turmoil of a civil war. Despite having a squad packed with talent from Europe’s top leagues, Ghana’s inability to secure a win against a lower-ranked Sudanese side (ranked 50 places below them) raises serious concerns about their chances of reaching the finals in Morocco.
Pressure Mounts on Ghana’s Campaign
The draw marked Ghana’s second consecutive home match without a goal in the AFCON qualifiers, intensifying the pressure on the team. With another crucial match against Sudan looming on Tuesday, this time in Benghazi, Libya, Ghana must secure a win to stay in contention for a spot in the tournament. A loss would almost certainly extinguish their hopes of qualification, a situation they have not faced in over two decades. Angola, meanwhile, have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the group when they play Niger in Luanda on Friday. A win for Angola would put them seven points ahead of Ghana, further complicating the Black Stars’ path to the finals.
The stakes are high for Ghana, as the top two teams from each group secure spots at the AFCON finals. Despite having star players such as Mohammed Kudus of West Ham United, the team’s recent performances have been underwhelming. Since reaching the AFCON semi-finals in 2017, Ghana’s form has declined, with a round of 16 exit in 2019 and group-stage eliminations in subsequent tournaments. The current campaign represents a crucial turning point, as the team risks missing out on the finals altogether, a humiliation they last experienced 21 years ago.
Calls for Passion and Commitment
Kurt Okraku, the president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has not shied away from expressing his frustration with the team. Before the match against Sudan, he reportedly delivered a stern warning to the players, telling them to “die for Ghana or never be selected again.” Okraku criticized the squad for what he perceived as a lack of passion, insisting that “the minimum I expect is a team of footballers with passion.” His comments highlight the growing dissatisfaction among fans and officials, as they expect more from a team with such high-caliber players.
Okraku’s statement reflects the mounting pressure within the Ghanaian football community, which is eager for the national team to regain its past glory. The Black Stars, who once dominated African football, are now at risk of falling behind, and their supporters expect nothing less than a passionate and committed performance in the crucial matches ahead.
Kwesi Appiah: The Ghanaian Coaching Sudan
Adding an interesting twist to Ghana’s qualifying woes, the Sudanese national team is managed by Kwesi Appiah, a Ghanaian who has previously coached the Black Stars and was a part of Ghana’s 1982 AFCON-winning squad. Appiah’s experience and familiarity with the Ghanaian team have provided Sudan with a strategic advantage in Group F. His leadership has guided Sudan to second place in the group, putting his homeland at risk of elimination.
Due to his involvement with Sudan, Appiah temporarily relinquished his role on the Ghana Football Association executive committee this week. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) mandated his removal, citing concerns over a “potential conflict of interest.” Despite the complications surrounding his dual roles, Appiah’s coaching has steered Sudan into a strong position, intensifying the challenge for Ghana.
AFCON Qualifiers: Results from Elsewhere
While Ghana struggled, other nations saw varied fortunes in the latest round of AFCON qualifiers. In Group C, Botswana pulled off a surprise 1-0 victory against Cape Verde in Praia. Tumisang Orebonye scored the match’s only goal in the second minute, capitalizing on a superb long pass from midfield. Despite relentless pressure from the hosts, Botswana’s defensive setup held firm, frustrating Cape Verde’s attempts to find an equalizer.
In Group J, Zimbabwe moved to the top of the standings with a 1-0 win over Namibia in Soweto. The match’s decisive moment came when veteran forward Khama Billiat, who had retired from international duty in 2021 but returned after his 34th birthday, converted a 34th-minute penalty. The match was played in South Africa due to Namibia’s lack of an international-standard stadium and was held behind closed doors to minimize costs.
Algeria dominated their Group E match against Togo, coming from behind to secure a 5-1 victory in Annaba. Said Benrahma led the charge for the North African giants, scoring twice to bring his international goals total to four. Algeria’s impressive form keeps them firmly at the top of their group, with sights set on AFCON glory.
In Group H, the Democratic Republic of Congo maintained their perfect record, defeating Tanzania 1-0 in Kinshasa. The match was decided by an unfortunate own goal from Clement Mzize in the 53rd minute. Despite Tanzania’s efforts to find an equalizer, DR Congo held on to secure their third consecutive win.
The Road Ahead for Ghana
With the upcoming fixture against Sudan in Benghazi, Ghana’s AFCON campaign hangs in the balance. The Black Stars must find a way to overcome the tactical challenges posed by Kwesi Appiah’s Sudanese side and secure a crucial victory. Anything less would likely end their hopes of qualifying for the finals in Morocco, a scenario that would have significant repercussions for the team and its management.
Ghana’s journey from AFCON semi-finalists in 2017 to their current struggles illustrates a sharp decline in form, despite the presence of talent from Europe’s top leagues. The outcome of the next match will be a defining moment for the Black Stars as they seek to reclaim their status as one of Africa’s football powerhouses.
