Embattled Ghana coach Otto Addo has emphasized that his team must deliver a victory against Sudan in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Tuesday to keep their hopes of reaching the 2025 finals alive. Following a frustrating 0-0 draw against the same opponents in Accra, Addo admitted that nothing short of three points will suffice if Ghana wants to stay in contention for a spot in the prestigious tournament.
“We have to win,” said the 49-year-old, now in his second stint as head coach of the Black Stars. The draw left Ghana in a precarious position, sitting third in Group F with four points. Angola, who lead the group with eleven points, are seven points ahead of Ghana, while Sudan holds second place with six points. With only three games left in the qualifying campaign, the stakes have never been higher for the Black Stars.
Missed Opportunities in Accra
The stalemate in Accra highlighted Ghana’s struggles in front of goal. Despite dominating large parts of the game, the Black Stars failed to convert several clear-cut chances. Their inability to break down Sudan’s resolute defense left them frustrated and with more questions than answers heading into the return leg.
“We missed some glaring opportunities,” Addo reflected after the match. “In football, you have to take your chances, and unfortunately, we didn’t do that. Now, we are facing the consequences.”
The goalless draw was particularly frustrating for a team with Ghana’s pedigree. As four-time AFCON champions, the Black Stars are no strangers to success on the continent. However, their last AFCON triumph came in 1982, and they are desperate to end that long drought. With only three games left to play in the qualifiers, they must turn things around quickly to avoid missing out on the tournament entirely—a fate they last suffered in 2003.
A Fight for Survival
Ghana’s next challenge is a daunting one. They will travel to Benghazi, Libya, where Sudan is temporarily based due to the ongoing civil war in their home country. The conditions are far from ideal, and playing away from home only adds to the pressure facing Otto Addo’s men. However, the coach remains confident that his side has the quality to get the job done.
“Where we finish is in our hands,” Addo emphasized. “We must take responsibility for our own fate. We have the quality in this squad to win, but we must execute our game plan properly and take the chances that come our way.”
Ghana will once again look to West Ham star Mohammed Kudus for leadership on the pitch. Kudus, who has been handed the captain’s armband in the absence of injured Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, will be crucial to Ghana’s attacking hopes. Known for his creativity and ability to unlock defenses, Kudus will need to be at his best to help the Black Stars find a way past a Sudan side that has already proven difficult to break down.
Tactical Adjustments Needed
In addition to converting their chances, Ghana will need to tighten up defensively if they are to secure the win. Sudan’s counter-attacking style caused problems for Ghana in the first leg, and Otto Addo is aware that his side cannot afford to be complacent. While the goalless draw highlighted Ghana’s attacking inefficiencies, it also served as a reminder of the dangers Sudan poses on the break.
“We have to be solid at the back,” Addo said. “Sudan has shown that they can create chances, and if we leave too much space, they will punish us. We need to be disciplined defensively and not give them any easy opportunities.”
The Road Ahead
With only three games remaining in the qualifiers, Ghana’s margin for error is slim. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the 2025 AFCON finals, and Ghana is currently outside of those qualification spots. A win against Sudan in Benghazi is essential to keep their hopes alive. Anything less than three points would leave the Black Stars in a perilous position, needing results to go their way in the remaining matches.
Beyond Tuesday’s clash, Ghana will face further tough tests in their remaining fixtures. But for now, all focus is on securing a vital win against Sudan. Otto Addo remains cautiously optimistic but knows that his side must rise to the occasion if they are to avoid the embarrassment of missing out on the AFCON finals.
“This is a must-win game for us,” Addo concluded. “We still have a chance, but it’s up to us to take it. We need to show that we deserve to be at AFCON, and that starts with delivering a strong performance in Benghazi.”
Ghana’s qualification hopes are hanging by a thread, and the team faces a desperate battle for survival. With everything on the line, they must step up and deliver a win in Libya to keep their AFCON dream alive. Failure to do so would mark a significant setback for a nation with a rich footballing history. The pressure is on, and the Black Stars must rise to the challenge.
