Ghana's senior national team, the Black Stars, face another formidable challenge as they embark on their quest to end a 42-year Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy drought.
Since their last triumph in 1982, Ghana has participated in 17 AFCON tournaments but has yet to reclaim the coveted trophy, despite reaching the finals three times.
Recent performances at AFCON have been particularly disappointing, with the Black Stars failing to advance past the group stages twice in the last few editions—a significant setback for a nation with a rich footballing heritage. The task of qualification has become increasingly difficult, with emerging football nations like Sudan, Angola, and Niger in Ghana’s group, making the road to the tournament even more challenging.
However, the Black Stars have shown flashes of their potential in recent 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and under the guidance of coach Otto Addo, they aim for smooth sailing toward Morocco for the 2025 AFCON. As they prepare to host Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Thursday, September 5, 2024, Addo and his squad will be looking to make a strong statement and set the tone for their qualifying campaign.
Head-to-Head
Ghana and Angola have faced each other eight times across all competitions, with the Black Stars holding the upper hand. Ghana has won four, drawn three, and lost just once to the Angolan side. The last defeat came in a 1997 AFCON qualifier, where Angola secured a 1-0 victory in Luanda. Since then, the Black Stars have been dominant, including a notable victory in the 2010 AFCON quarterfinals.
Team News
The Black Stars will field some of their top talents against Angola, including West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus and Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey. Inaki Williams, who missed the last call-ups due to injury, is back in the squad and is expected to start alongside Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.
Defender Alexander Djiku is ruled out due to injury and has been replaced by FC Basel’s Jonas Adjei Adjetey. The Black Stars will also be without Salis Samed, Gideon Mensah, Ernest Nuamah, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Ibrahim Sulemana due to injuries.
On the Angolan side, several players are in fine form following their recent COSAFA Cup triumph, where they thrashed Namibia 5-0 in the final. Players like Estrela’s Keliano Manuel and Gil Vicente’s Laurindo Dilson Maria Aurélio will be key threats in the final third.
Probable Starting Lineups
Ghana: Ati Zigi (GK); Tariq Lamptey, Mohammed Salisu, Alidu Seidu, Jerome Opoku, Thomas Partey, Elisha Owusu, Fatawu Issahaku, Mohammed Kudus, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew.
Angola: Langanga (GK); Cruz, Vidinho, Canji, Hossi, Maestro, Andrade, Keliano, Aurélio, Depu, Berna.
Kick-Off Time: 16:00 GMT (Thursday)
This high-stakes encounter is crucial for Ghana as they aim to take the first step toward ending their long-standing AFCON trophy drought. With both teams eager to make a strong start in the qualifiers, fans can expect an intense and competitive match in Kumasi.
