Ghana’s quest for a place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) suffered a major setback following a 2-0 defeat to Sudan on Tuesday, October 15. The loss, which took place in Libya, leaves the Black Stars’ qualification hopes hanging by a thread after four matches in the qualifying series.
The Falcons of Jediane, led by former Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah—once a “rejected stone” by the Ghana Football Association—delivered a clinical performance to secure the win.
The breakthrough came in the 62nd minute when Ahmed Hamed Mahmoud capitalized on a defensive mix-up in the Ghanaian box. A failed clearance by Gideon Mensah, followed by a chaotic scramble, allowed Mahmoud to tap into an empty net and give Sudan the lead.
Just three minutes later, Sudan doubled their advantage. Mohamed Abdelrahman muscled past Mohammed Salisu and calmly slotted the ball past Ghanaian goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi to make it 2-0. Despite a spirited effort by the Black Stars, including a close attempt by Inaki Williams from a Tariq Lamptey cross, Ghana failed to find the back of the net.
The loss leaves Ghana third in Group F with just two points from four games—drawing twice and losing twice. Otto Addo’s men now find themselves in a precarious position, needing favourable results from other matches and victories in their remaining games against Niger and Angola in November to keep their AFCON dreams alive.
The defeat to Kwesi Appiah’s Sudan side has intensified pressure on the Black Stars as the road to AFCON 2025 becomes even more challenging.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
