Ghana’s hopes of securing a win in their opening group fixture for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers were dashed as they suffered a late 1-0 defeat to Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Despite dominating much of the match, the Black Stars struggled to find the net in the first half, allowing their Angolan opponents to grow in confidence as the game wore on.
Ghana’s coach, Otto Addo, opted to start Jordan Ayew and Elisha Owusu, both late arrivals to the squad, with Alidu Seidu filling in at left-back. Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Antoine Semenyo were deployed on the wings, while Jordan Ayew led the line as the lone striker. Addo had earlier mentioned fitness concerns for Elisha Owusu, noting the AJ Auxerre midfielder had picked up a knock.
Angola’s coach, Pedro Gonçalves, set up his team with an attacking trio of Gelson Dala, Ryan Nteka, and Mabululu.
The Palancas Negras remained defensively solid throughout the match, absorbing Ghana’s pressure, particularly in the second half.
In an attempt to strengthen his team’s attacking threat, Addo introduced Majeed Ashimeru and Joseph Paintsil in the 80th minute, replacing Fatawu Issahaku and Elisha Owusu.
However, Angola’s goalkeeper, Neblu Adilson Cipriano, remained resilient, making crucial saves when Ghana threatened.
In the 90th minute, Angola found the breakthrough. Joao Felicio capitalized on a loose ball to beat Lawrence Ati-Zigi and secure a dramatic victory for the Sable Antelopes.
With Angola and Sudan claiming three points in Round One of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, Ghana and Niger will now look to recover in the next round. The Black Stars are set to face Niger on Monday, September 9, at the Stade Municipal de Berkane in Morocco.
