Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has acknowledged that his team’s performance in the 1-1 draw against Angola was not up to the required standard, which ultimately confirmed their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ghana went into the match at the 11th November Stadium in Luanda needing a win to keep their hopes alive in the qualifiers, but the draw meant their chances of progressing were extinguished.

Addo, visibly disappointed after the game, admitted that his team did not deserve to win and struggled throughout the encounter, particularly against Angola’s high press.

“They didn’t have anything to lose today, you could see. They played freely, while we were under pressure,” Addo said.

“They pressed us very well, held us down in our half, and it was difficult for us today. But we were missing our intensity, and I think it was not good enough from our side.”

With the draw leaving Ghana with no way to advance, the team’s final qualifier against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium now holds little significance.

Despite needing a win to keep their hopes alive, the 4-0 win for Niger over Sudan earlier in the week ensured that Ghana’s fate was sealed.

This marks the first time in 21 years that Ghana will miss out on the Africa Cup of Nations, a blow for a team that has traditionally been one of the continent's top performers.