The Black Stars began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a disappointing 1-0 loss to Angola, courtesy of a late goal by Red Star Belgrade forward Milson.
The defeat leaves Ghana third in Group F, with zero points, just above Niger, who also remain scoreless.
Here’s a breakdown of the Black Stars players’ performances:
Lawrence Ati Zigi - 6/10
The goalkeeper had a relatively quiet night but stepped up when needed, making crucial saves to keep Ghana in the game. He was not at fault for the goal.
Tariq Lamptey - 5.5/10
Lamptey struggled to find his rhythm early in the match but became more effective going forward towards the end. Defensively, he held his ground.
Abdul Mumin - 5/10
Mumin's critical error led directly to Angola’s winning goal, which overshadowed his otherwise steady performance. His decision-making came under scrutiny.
Mohammed Salisu - 6/10
Salisu was composed at the back, showing good defensive awareness and starting Ghana’s build-up play with accurate passing.
Alidu Seidu - 5.5/10
Played out of position at left-back, Seidu did well defensively but was more influential in attack as the game progressed.
Thomas Partey - 5.5/10
Partey’s calmness on the ball was evident, but he failed to create as many key opportunities as expected from the captain.
Elisha Owusu - 5/10
Owusu was solid defensively but had minimal influence on the game. He was substituted in the second half for Majeed Ashimeru.
Antoine Semenyo - 5.5/10
Semenyo improved in the second half, creating chances and forcing the Angolan goalkeeper into a save.
Mohammed Kudus - 5.5/10
Kudus was active in midfield, trying to push the play forward, but was tightly marked throughout. He missed a crucial opportunity late in the match.
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku - 5/10
Issahaku was one of Ghana's more dynamic players, contributing with his dribbling and passing. He was substituted by Joseph Paintsil in the second half.
Jordan Ayew - 5/10
Ayew had several chances but was largely ineffective, missing key opportunities and failing to make a significant impact in the match.
Subs:
Majeed Ashimeru - 6/10
Came on in the 78th minute but brought stability in the Ghana midfield with his progressive passes.
Joseph Paintsil - N/A
Inaki Williams - N/A
Ghana will need to regroup quickly ahead of their next Group F game against Niger in Berkane, Morocco.
Angola head coach Pedro Goncalves has expressed his disappointment over the condition of the Baba Yara Stadium pitch following his team’s narrow 1-0 victory against Ghana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Ghana captain Thomas Partey has praised the electric atmosphere at the Baba Yara Stadium, describing it as "amazing" ahead of the Black Stars' 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying opener against Angola later today.
Ghana head coach Otto Addo has lauded the unwavering support of Kumasi fans for the Black Stars over the years, emphasizing their vital role in the team’s success.
Head coach of Angola, Pedro Goncalves, has described Agostinho Cristovao Paciencia, popularly known as Mabululu, as an important player for his side.
Ghana Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has emphasized the need for both Inaki Williams and the national team to collaborate more effectively to address the striker’s struggles in front of goal.
The Black Stars will kickoff their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers campaign against Angola this Thursday, September 5, at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has expressed confidence in his team's ability to prevent goals from long balls as they prepare for their 2025 AFCON qualifier against Angola.
Ghana’s Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo, has raised concerns over the availability of AJ Auxerre midfielder Elisha Owusu for the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifier against Angola.
Angola's head coach, Pedro Goncalves, has suggested that Ghana's victory over his team during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in Kumasi was aided by luck.
Angola's head coach, Pedro Goncalves, has lauded the vibrant atmosphere created by fans in Kumasi, particularly at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, which he believes embodies the passion of African football.
Angola's head coach, Pedro Goncalves, is optimistic about his team's prospects as they prepare to face Ghana in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
