The Black Stars of Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was dealt a significant blow following their loss to Sudan.
The four-time African champions faced off against the Falcons in the return leg on Tuesday at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Libya.
Ghana entered the match needing a win to keep their qualification hopes alive after a disappointing start to the qualifiers, which saw them record two draws and a loss. Coach Otto Addo made a single change to the starting lineup, replacing Jordan Ayew with Inaki Williams.
The Black Stars began the game brightly, but Sudan was resolute and determined to secure a positive result.
In the 7th minute, Kwesi Appiah’s early attempt was thwarted by Ghanaian goalkeeper, Ati Zigi, who made a crucial save.
Sudan responded with a counter-attack four minutes later, but Ati Zigi once again came to Ghana’s rescue, ensuring the score remained goalless. Despite the Black Stars’ efforts, the Sudanese team dominated much of the match, putting Ghana under intense pressure. Abubakar Mohamed nearly scored in the 14th minute, but his curling shot was punched away by Ati Zigi.
Sudan continued to press and maintain control of the game. Ghana had a brief scare when Mohammed Salisu appeared to handle the ball, but the referee did not call for an infringement despite a foul on a Sudanese player during a counter-attack.
Ghana had a chance to take the lead before halftime, but Sudanese goalkeeper Mohammed Mustafa made a key save, keeping the match goalless as the first half ended.
In the second half, the Black Stars appeared more determined. Inaki Williams found the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed for a handball. Ghana had another chance in the 52nd minute, but Sudan’s defense held firm.
Coach Addo made substitutions in the 56th minute, bringing on Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu Isaahaku to replace Ernest Nuamah and Antione Semenyo.
However, Sudan continued to execute their game plan, defending deep and countering effectively.
Their persistence paid off in the 62nd minute, when Mahmoud Mohamed capitalized on a defensive error by Salisu, scoring the opening goal. Just four minutes later, Sudan doubled their lead through Mohammed Abdel-Rahman, putting Ghana in a difficult position.
Otto Addo made further changes, introducing Tariq Lamptey, Michael Baidoo, and Jonas Adjetey to try and turn the game around. But despite their best efforts, the Black Stars could not find a breakthrough, and Sudan nearly scored a third goal in the 71st minute.
Kwesi Appiah’s side managed to control the game towards the end, but it was too late to avoid a disappointing result.
The loss leaves Ghana in third place with just two points from four games.
To qualify for AFCON 2025, which will be hosted in Morocco, the Black Stars must win their remaining matches against Niger and Angola in November and hope that Sudan drops points in their upcoming fixtures.
