Ghana's Black Stars hot favourites to continue unbeaten streak against Angola in AFCON Qualifiers

The Black Stars of Ghana are set to embark on their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a crucial home game against Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on September 5.

With a remarkable 24-year unbeaten record at this fortress, Ghana is heavily favoured to maintain its dominance and secure a vital victory in front of a passionate home crowd for the game which begins at 4pm.

Head coach Otto Addo, who has returned to the helm after guiding Ghana to the 2022 World Cup, will be leading the Black Stars as they aim to top Group F, which also includes Niger and Sudan. Addo’s side is packed with talent, featuring Premier League stars like Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, and Antoine Semenyo, reflecting a balanced squad that prioritizes both attack and defense. The match against Angola marks the beginning of Ghana's journey to reclaim its status as one of Africa's football powerhouses after disappointing AFCON campaigns in recent years.

Despite a scare on Sunday when Addo and some members of his technical team were involved in a car accident, there have been no ill effects, and they have continued to oversee training sessions leading up to the match.

The incident, though unsettling, has not distracted the team, which remains fully focused on securing a positive result against Angola. Addo's leadership has been evident as he meticulously prepares his team, highlighting the importance of a strong start in the qualifiers.

Addo has also since shuffled his deck with FC Basel's Jonas Adjetey Adjei replacing the injured Alexander Djiku and 21-year-old Norwich City midfielder Forson Amankwah joining the squad. 

Angola, managed by Pedro Goncalves, faces an uphill battle at Baba Yara. The absence of key players, including Orlando Pirates' Gilberto Deivi Miguel and M'Bala Nzola, currently on loan at RC Lens from Fiorentina, adds to the difficulty of their task.

However, Goncalves remains optimistic and will rely heavily on Al Ittihad forward Cristovao Mabululu to spearhead the attack and potentially orchestrate an upset. The Black Sable Antelopes have never gone beyond the quarter-finals in the continental tournament, and their recent form suggests they will need to produce something extraordinary to trouble the Black Stars.

For Ghana, this match is not just about securing three points; it is also an opportunity to erase the memories of their tense 4-3 victory over the Central African Republic in their last outing.

Otto Addo has highlighted the importance of starting the qualifiers on a high note, especially at a venue where the Black Stars have historically been unbeatable. The Baba Yara Stadium, known for its electrifying atmosphere, is expected to be filled to capacity, with fans eager to see their team assert its dominance.

One concern, however, has been the state of the pitch at the Baba Yara Stadium. Assistant coach John Paintsil has already inspected the field, and there have been discussions within the technical team on how best to prepare it. Addo has emphasized the need for improved facilities to ensure better playing conditions across the country.

Despite these challenges, the team remains confident, drawing on their strong track record at the stadium and their overall superiority in previous encounters with Angola.

Historically, Ghana has enjoyed a solid record against Angola, remaining unbeaten in their last four meetings. This includes a memorable 1-0 victory at the 2010 AFCON and another 1-0 win in their most recent AFCON qualifier at Baba Yara in 2023, thanks to a late goal from Antoine Semenyo.

The last match between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda, but with home advantage this time, Ghana is expected to assert its dominance.

Otto Addo’s squad selection, which includes seven forwards, five midfielders, and eight defenders, reflects his strategic approach to both attack and defense.

The inclusion of stars like Mohammed Kudus, who has been in scintillating form, is seen as a significant boost for the team’s chances. Kudus, alongside Thomas Partey and Jordan Ayew, is expected to play a crucial role in breaking down the Angolan defense, while the defensive unit will be tasked with keeping Angola’s attacks at bay.

The Black Stars are also keen to demonstrate that they have moved past the recent challenges that have plagued the team, including their disappointing exits in the group stages of the last two AFCON tournaments.

A convincing performance against Angola will not only boost their confidence but also send a strong message to their rivals in the group. The team’s ultimate goal is to qualify for both AFCON 2025 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and a strong start in Kumasi is seen as essential to achieving these objectives.

Looking ahead, the Black Stars will travel to Morocco to face Niger on neutral ground in their second group game on September 10. The outcome of the match against Angola will set the tone for the rest of their qualifying campaign. With a blend of experience and youthful energy, Ghana is poised to make a strong statement in these qualifiers, starting with what many expect to be a decisive victory over Angola at their Baba Yara fortress.