2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers: Angola coach Pedro Goncalves criticizes Baba Yara Stadium pitch after victory over Ghana
Angola head coach Pedro Goncalves expressed disappointment with the state of the Baba Yara Stadium pitch following his team's 1-0 win over Ghana in the opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.Goncalves criticized the bumpy playing surface, which made it difficult for both teams to control the ball and led to numerous turnovers throughout the game.Despite the challenging conditions, Angola managed to secure a late victory, with substitute Milson scoring in the 93rd minute after a poor clearance from Ghana's defense. The defeat also ended Ghana’s 24-year unbeaten run at the stadium.“We always try to play football, but the pitch is difficult. A country like Ghana deserves a better stadium, a better pitch for football. They have lovely players," Goncalves said in his post-match interview.The loss marks a tough start for Ghana in their quest to qualify for AFCON 2025, while Angola celebrated a historic victory on Ghanaian soil.
[caption id="attachment_983669" align="alignnone" width="637"] Pedro Goncalves[/caption]
Angola head coach Pedro Goncalves expressed disappointment with the state of the Baba Yara Stadium pitch following his team's 1-0 win over Ghana in the opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Goncalves criticized the bumpy playing surface, which made it difficult for both teams to control the ball and led to numerous turnovers throughout the game.
Despite the challenging conditions, Angola managed to secure a late victory, with substitute Milson scoring in the 93rd minute after a poor clearance from Ghana's defense. The defeat also ended Ghana’s 24-year unbeaten run at the stadium.
“We always try to play football, but the pitch is difficult. A country like Ghana deserves a better stadium, a better pitch for football. They have lovely players," Goncalves said in his post-match interview.
The loss marks a tough start for Ghana in their quest to qualify for AFCON 2025, while Angola celebrated a historic victory on Ghanaian soil.
