Sudan will welcome Ghana to the Al-Merreikh Stadium on Tuesday afternoon for a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match, aiming to extend their lead over the Black Stars.
Currently, the Falcons of Jediane sit second in Group F with four points, two ahead of Ghana, who occupy third place with two points.
Match Preview
Sudan head coach James Kwesi Appiah will look to build on a hard-earned goalless draw against Ghana last Thursday, where his side successfully fended off numerous goal attempts and goal-mouth scrambles. This draw was vital for Sudan, particularly following a previous loss to Angola, as it prevented them from slipping to third place.
To maintain their position within the top two and enhance their chances of securing one of the two AFCON tickets, Sudan must avoid defeat on Tuesday. Historically, in five previous meetings hosted by Sudan, the home team has won two and lost three, with the last encounter ending in a 1-0 victory for the Falcons during the AFCON qualifying rounds in 2020.
Sudan boasts an unbeaten streak in their last three qualifying matches on home soil, including a draw against Togo and a win against Congo DR in World Cup qualifiers back in November 2023, followed by a narrow 1-0 victory over Niger last month in the AFCON qualifiers.
On the other hand, Ghana, despite having 20 goal attempts and four clear chances in the first leg, has struggled to capitalize, leaving them in a precarious position halfway through the qualifying campaign. The Black Stars have qualified for the last ten AFCON tournaments since missing out in 2004, but this streak could be at risk if they do not secure a win in Sudan.
The Ghanaian Football Association (GFA) reappointed Otto Addo as head coach in March, hoping to guide the team to the AFCON after Chris Hughton was dismissed following a disappointing performance in the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast. Addo remains unbeaten in his second stint, with a 2-1 victory against Mali in a World Cup qualifier in June and a 1-1 draw against Niger in their only away match so far during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
With Appiah in the opposing dugout, the Black Stars will need to employ fresh tactics to overcome Sudan, especially given their failure to score in two of their three qualifying matches.
Team News
Ghana's Inaki Williams, who came off the bench in the first leg, may earn a starting position after attempting more shots than Jordan Ayew, despite only being on the pitch for 21 minutes. West Ham's Mohammed Kudus, who missed two key chances, will look to improve his finishing as he takes on a crucial role behind the striker once again.
Sudan's goalkeeper, Mohamed Mustafa, was instrumental in the first leg with seven saves and one high claim, and he will be eager to replicate that performance. Meanwhile, Mohamed Abdelrahman, who is yet to score in the AFCON qualifiers, will aim to lead the attack effectively once more.
Sudan Possible Starting Lineup:
- Mustafa; Agab, Koko, Karshoum, Yousif; Khidir, Al-Rasheed, Saeed; Eisa, Abdelrahman, Thierry
Ghana Possible Starting Lineup:
- Ati-Zigi; Seidu, Salisu, Djiku, Mensah; Owusu, Sulemana; Nuamah, Kudus, Semenyo; Inaki
Prediction
We say; Sudan 0-1 Ghana
Despite a strong performance from Sudan's goalkeeper and missed opportunities by Ghana in the first leg, we believe the Black Stars will secure a vital away victory this time around. Knowing the importance of this match, the visitors should be able to find the crucial goal needed to keep their AFCON hopes alive.
