Black Stars’ AFCON hopes in jeopardy after stalemate with Sudan

Ghana's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign took another blow as the Black Stars were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by a dogged Sudan side at the Accra Sports Stadium. 

Despite dominating possession and creating a flurry of chances, Ghana’s profligacy in front of goal extended their winless streak to three matches, leaving their AFCON hopes hanging by a thread.

Coming into the game on the back of a disappointing 0-1 home defeat to Angola and a 1-1 draw with Niger, the Black Stars were under pressure to deliver.

However, their inability to break down Sudan’s stubborn defence has left them at the third position in Group F, behind Angola and Sudan, with only two points from a possible nine.

Ghanaian fans, who packed the stadium to watch their team play a competitive home match for the first time in five years, were left frustrated and questioning the team's lack of cutting-edge and poor run.

Coach Otto Addo now faces a daunting challenge, as his side must win all three remaining qualifiers to secure a place at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

New leader

The game saw Mohammed Kudus, wearing the captain's armband for the first time, take on the leadership role with high expectations. He impressed with his ball distribution and attacking intent, but the West Ham star was at the centre of the night’s biggest miss.

He blew away a golden opportunity to seal victory in the 89th minute. After a fine cross from impressive right-back Alidu Seidu, Kudus found himself just two yards from the goal line but inexplicably failed to convert.

It was a miss that summed up the day for the Black Stars, who, despite dominating possession and a barrage of late attacks, could not find the breakthrough.

Spain-based forward, Inaki Williams, on as a second-half substitute for veteran Jordan Ayew, also had a chance to be the hero but fluffed a one-on-one opportunity with Sudan’s goalkeeper, Mohammed Mustapha.

Even debutant, Michael Baidoo, with the game in its final stages, blazed a rebound high over the bar from close range, adding to the agony of the home crowd, witnessing their national side’s first competitive home game in Accra since 2019.

From the start, Ghana appeared determined to snap their winless run. Centre-back, Alexander Djiku, rattled the crossbar with a header in just the third minute, signalling the Black Stars’ early intent.

Soon after, Kudus set up Ernest Nuamah, who danced his way into the Sudanese box, only to see his shot fly wide. Antoine Semenyo was also lively, with a powerful drive which was turned away by the ever-busy Mustapha in post for Sudan.

Yet, for all their dominance, Ghana’s defensive frailties nearly allowed Sudan take a shock lead on the half-hour mark. A swift counter-attack resulted in a dangerous effort that flew narrowly over Lawrence Ati-Zigi’s bar, a rare moment of concern for the Ghanaian backline.

As the first half drew to a close, Sudan’s Ahmed Yousif received the game’s first yellow card for a reckless challenge on Nuamah. Kudus, tasked with taking the resulting free-kick, picked out Semenyo, but the Bristol City forward’s header was wide off the mark, leaving the game goalless at halftime.

Wasted chances

The second half saw Ghana ramp up the pressure. Kudus, Semenyo and Nuamah launched wave after wave of attacks, but Sudan stood firm, frustrating their hosts with disciplined defending.

Coach Kwasi Appiah’s side made tactical changes to withstand the onslaught, while Ghana brought on Williams and Joseph Paintsil to add more firepower.

However, despite their best efforts, the Black Stars could not break the deadlock.

Sudan even threatened to steal a winner when a dipping free-kick in the 73rd minute forced Ati-Zigi into a crucial save by tipping the ball over for Sudan’s first corner of the match.

Ghana responded with another surge forward movement, as the home supporters believed the moment had finally come when Paintsil was fouled on the edge of the box in the 81st minute. Kudus stepped up again but struck the wall, leaving the fans in agony.

As the match edged into injury time, Ghana’s desperation was clear. Several corners came to nothing, while Sudan stood firm, denying Ghana the all-important goal. The final whistle was met with groans of disappointment as the Black Stars’ AFCON qualification hopes took a severe hit.

The Black Stars’ quest for AFCON qualification now faces an uphill battle, with their next test coming on Tuesday when they face Sudan once again in Libya.

Coach Otto Addo and his men will need to rediscover their winning touch quickly if they are to keep their AFCON dreams alive.