The Black Stars of Ghana have departed for Luanda, where they are set to face Angola in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Friday. With a winless streak in their last four matches, the former African champions are in a precarious position in Group F and must secure victory over the Palancas Negras while hoping for Sudan to drop points against Niger to keep their qualification hopes alive for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
After assembling in Accra, the team held intensive two-day training sessions at the Accra Sports Stadium before departing from Kotoka International Airport on Wednesday. The full squad of 23 players, including six late replacements for the eight who withdrew, departed Ghana focused on a turnaround in their performance. They are scheduled to arrive in Luanda on Thursday morning, where they will engage in a mandatory practice at the Estadio de 11 Novembro to finalize preparations for the game.
Currently sitting third in Group F, Ghana faces tough competition from Angola, who has already qualified, and Sudan, which only needs one more point to secure their ticket. However, the Black Stars remain undeterred, determined to clinch a much-needed win that could keep their tournament dreams alive.
Angola, led by head coach Pedro Goncalves, will be looking to end Ghana’s hopes of qualification, building on their September success when they dealt Ghana their first home defeat in Kumasi in over two decades. The Angolan side is confident of a repeat victory on home turf to complete a sweep over Ghana in the qualifiers.
With the stakes high, the Black Stars are fully aware that even a win might not be enough to secure qualification, depending on the outcome of Sudan’s match. Nevertheless, the team is prepared to give their all to avoid an early exit from the tournament.
