The Black Stars of Ghana will host the Palancas Negras of Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium this Thursday, as both teams look to kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on a strong note.
With no shortage of talent on both sides, we analyse the five players who could swing the game either way.
Jordan Ayew (Ghana)
Even with Kudus available, the younger Ayew isn’t exactly the man most Ghanaians would look to as the sharpest tool in the box.
Jordan hasn't been particularly productive in his 14 years as a Black Star, and many have remarked — not always in a flattering way — that he excels at everything but scoring.
That said, Jordan has had his moments. He has scored four goals in Ghana’s last two matches, including a crucial 2-1 victory over Mali in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Bamako. He also delivered a phenomenal performance in the Black Stars’ 4-3 home win against the Central African Republic, another World Cup qualifier, where he made an incredible impact by scoring a hat-trick.
In Addo's first AFCON qualifier back at the helm, Jordan will likely start and — considering his form for Leicester City, chipping in with one goal in two games — fancy his chances of leaving a mark on Pedro Gonçalves’, team.
Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)
Ghana will undoubtedly miss Andre Ayew, but in Kudus, they have a player more than capable of causing significant damage, particularly from wider and midfield areas.
Kudus’ ability to beat a man with his pace and trickery has been highly valuable for Ghana and West Ham, his club, and there is no understating the measure of impact the England-based attacker can have on his day.
While he doesn't score a great many goals, Kudus can be relied on to do all the fine work which creates opportunities for more prolific colleagues to finish off.
Against Angola's often unconvincing midfielders, Kudus could have a lot of fun if given the licence to operate.
Thomas Partey (Ghana)
There are few Premier League midfielders more thrilling to watch and harder to outplay than Partey, who is so good it does not look like he would be much longer at Arsenal.
His essence to the Londoners, as a highly valuable asset, has only grown this season. Partey would be feeling particularly invigorated for this crunch fixture. In a game that might not produce so many goals, the decisive moments would likely come from players capable of the sort of class we have come to expect of Partey, and Ghana boss Otto Addo would be hoping his star man can wave his wand and weave some needed magic.
Agostinho Paciencia (Angola)
Nicknamed Mabululu, the Ittihad Alexandria forward is capable of wreaking havoc against the Black Stars. Paciencia has always been a mature athlete, and his athletic profile provides a high floor for his skill set.
Not only is he quite tall and lean, he has a great burst and top-end speed to match, making him a very dynamic forward. He’s also added muscle to his physique as he’s grown. All in all, Paciencia is a multi-faceted athlete.
He doesn’t offer much in terms of a passing threat, but he gets into good positions inside the box off dribbles and movement – that’s his primary quality. He has also improved as a finisher, making more of the areas he gets into.
Deivi Miguel Vieira (Angola)
Gilberto is a flighty, explosive right-sided winger with a penchant for a looping cross towards the back post after cutting back onto his left foot. He excels in one-on-one situations when going inside onto his favoured foot, but can be restricted by being shown down the line.
However, with his sharp drops of the shoulder, low centre of gravity and excellent acceleration; it is difficult to stop him wherever he intends to go.
He is one of the Angolan players capable of causing serious trouble in Kumasi, thanks to his swashbuckling performances for Orlando Pirates.
