Toothless Blacks Stars stunned by Angola in AFCON qualifier
Ghana’s campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers began on a disappointing note after a late goal saw them lose 1-0 to Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Thursday.
The Black Stars, aiming to extend their winning streak, controlled much of the game and created most of the scoring opportunities but suffered a significant setback in the dying seconds.
Substitute Felício Mendes João Milson struck in the third minute of stoppage time, capitalizing on a defensive error to score from close range and secure the victory for Angola.
The late goal was a bitter blow to Ghana, who had dominated possession and pressured the Angolan defense throughout the match.
Jordan Ayew led the attack for the Black Stars, supported by Antoine Semenyo and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku on the wings, while Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, and Elisha Owusu provided a solid midfield base.
In defense, Alidu Seidu operated at left-back, with Tariq Lamptey at right-back and Mohammed Salisu and Abdul Mumin partnering in the center.
Ghana began the match brightly, with Semenyo firing a shot just wide within the first five minutes. Angola’s goalkeeper, Neblu, was tested in the 36th minute by a powerful strike from Kudus and was called upon again early in the second half to save another attempt from Semenyo.
Despite continuous pressure, Ghana struggled to break the deadlock.
The Black Stars kept up their offensive efforts, with Jordan Ayew’s shot blocked in the 77th minute and Kudus seeing a goal-bound attempt deflected for a corner eight minutes later.
However, their efforts were undone when Milson seized upon a defensive mishap by Abdul Mumin, scoring the decisive goal in the final moments.
In a last-ditch attempt to find an equalizer, coach Otto Addo brought on Joseph Paintsil, Majeed Ashimeru, and Inaki Williams, but their impact was minimal as Angola held on to claim their first win of the qualifiers.
This defeat marks Ghana’s first home loss in 24 years at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The Black Stars now face a crucial match against Niger on Monday, where they will need a win to reignite their qualifying campaign, while Angola will take on Sudan in the other Group F match.
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