Ghana miss AFCON spot after Angola draw ends qualification hopes

Ghana’s Black Stars will miss the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time since 2004 after a 1-1 draw against Angola in Luanda.

Coach Otto Addo made notable changes to the lineup, handing competitive debuts to Nations FC defender Razak Simpson and Michael Baidoo. Abdul Manaf Nurudeen was also given the nod in goal ahead of Lawrence Ati-Zigi.

Jordan Ayew put Ghana ahead in the 19th minute with a sensational 35-yard free kick after Mohammed Kudus was fouled. Ayew’s decision to take the set-piece over Kudus paid off as his effort beat Angola’s goalkeeper, giving Ghana the lead.

Angola had a chance to equalize shortly after when the referee awarded a penalty for a foul by Gideon Mensah. However, Abdul Manaf Nurudeen made a crucial save, denying M’Bala Nzola from the spot in what was a standout moment in his debut.

The Black Stars came close to doubling their lead in the 44th minute, but Michael Baidoo’s shot was blocked by Angola’s defense. Ghana maintained their 1-0 advantage going into halftime.

In the second half, Otto Addo introduced Ebenezer Annan for Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and later brought on Ransford Yeboah to replace Baidoo. Despite their adjustments, Ghana’s defense faltered, allowing Angola to capitalize. Substitute Zini, left unmarked, connected with a Milson cross to equalize in the 60th minute.

The Black Stars pressed for a winner, with Kudus narrowly missing the target in the 71st minute. Jordan Ayew also created a late opportunity, but Ransford Yeboah’s close-range effort was saved.

In the dying moments, goalkeeper Nurudeen produced another brilliant save to deny Angola a potential match-winner.

The result ends Ghana’s hopes of AFCON qualification, with their final group game against Niger set to take place in Accra on Monday.

Reporting By Jonathan Ofori, Asaase Newsroom

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