Ghana’s Black Stars were held to a 1-1 draw by Angola in Luanda, sealing their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

This marks the first time since 2004 that the four-time African champions will miss the prestigious tournament.

Head coach Otto Addo made several changes to the starting lineup, including giving Nations FC defender Razak Simpson and midfielder Michael Baidoo their first starts.

Abdul Manaf Nurudeen also replaced Lawrence Ati-Zigi in goal for the crucial qualifier.

The match began positively for Ghana when Jordan Ayew opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a stunning free kick from 35 yards.

After Mohammed Kudus was fouled, Ayew stepped up and unleashed a powerful strike that left the Angolan goalkeeper helpless.

Angola had a chance to equalize soon after when a foul by Gideon Mensah in the box led to a penalty.

However, debutant Manaf Nurudeen made an impressive save to deny M’Bala Nzola, keeping Ghana in the lead.

Baidoo came close to doubling Ghana’s advantage just before halftime, but his effort was blocked by the Angolan defense, and Ghana went into the break with a slim 1-0 lead.

In the second half, Ghana made changes with Ebenezer Annan replacing Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, and Ransford Yeboah coming on for Baidoo.

However, Angola capitalized on a defensive lapse to level the score in the 62nd minute. Substitute Zini connected with a cross from Milson, beating Nurudeen to make it 1-1.

The Black Stars pushed for a winner, with Kudus coming close in the 71st minute and Ayew setting up Yeboah for a close-range shot that was saved by the Angolan goalkeeper.

In the dying minutes, Nurudeen made another crucial save to keep Ghana in the game, but the draw was not enough to secure qualification.

With their hopes officially dashed, Ghana now faces Niger in Accra on Monday for their final match of the qualifiers, but the result has already sealed their absence from the 2025 AFCON.