Angola coach casts doubt on Ghana’s AFCON 2025 qualification chances

Angola head coach Pedro Goncalves has cast serious doubt on Ghana’s chances of reaching the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), calling their qualification prospects “low to impossible.”

The Black Stars, who have faced a challenging qualifying campaign, currently sit third in Group F, with just two points from four matches. Ghana’s winless streak in the qualifiers has left the four-time African champions at risk of missing out on AFCON for the first time in two decades, and Goncalves believes the odds are stacked against them.

“While Ghana is undoubtedly a strong contender, their chances of qualifying are low to impossible at the moment,” Goncalves remarked.

Angola, having already secured their place at the tournament with four wins from four matches, are at the top of Group F, alongside Sudan, who are also strong favourites to advance. Ghana, meanwhile, face an uphill task as they prepare for a crucial clash with Angola in Luanda on Friday. To keep their hopes alive, the Black Stars must defeat both Angola and Niger in their remaining fixtures and hope that Sudan suffer losses in both of their final games against Niger and Angola.

Ghana’s performance in the qualifiers has raised concerns among fans and pundits alike, as the team has struggled to find momentum and deliver results. The upcoming encounter in Luanda is seen as a last-chance effort for Ghana, who now find themselves needing both victories and a favourable outcome in other group matches to secure a spot in the tournament.

The Black Stars will need a resurgence of form and a strong display in Luanda if they hope to keep their AFCON dreams alive amidst mounting pressure and scepticism.