The Black Stars of Ghana are gearing up to kick off their quest to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a highly anticipated clash against Angola.
After a challenging campaign in the 2023 AFCON held in Ivory Coast, where they fell short in their bid for a fifth continental title, the Ghanaian football community is eager for redemption.
This week, Ghana will host Angola in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, promising an exciting and fiercely competitive encounter. As the Black Stars aim to secure their place in the next AFCON tournament, Footballghana provides a detailed preview of this pivotal match, including a look at the historical context, current form, and key talking points.
Head-to-Head:
Ghana and Angola first faced each other in 2009, with their inaugural match ending in a goalless draw. Since then, the two teams have met on four occasions. Ghana has emerged victorious twice, while Angola is still searching for their first win against the Black Stars. The remaining encounters have ended in draws.
Their most recent meeting took place in March 2023, when the game ended 1-1 in Angola. Osman Bukari scored the crucial equalizer for Ghana, earning them a valuable away point.
Current Form:
As both teams prepare for this crucial Group F showdown, their recent performances offer insights into their current standings.
Ghana: The Black Stars’ recent form has been mixed but shows signs of improvement. Over their last five matches, they have secured two wins, two draws, and one defeat. Encouragingly, Ghana heads into this match on the back of two consecutive victories, which should boost their confidence.
Angola: In stark contrast, Angola is in formidable form, boasting four wins and one draw in their last five matches. Their impressive run of victories leading up to this game has them brimming with confidence and determination.
Talking Points:
- Absence of Andre Ayew: The Black Stars will be without their experienced captain, Andre Ayew, who is unavailable for this match. His leadership and experience will be missed on the field.
- Jordan Ayew’s Late Arrival: Jordan Ayew, the younger of the Ayew brothers, is expected to join the team on Wednesday, just a day before the match. His delayed arrival has raised concerns about its potential impact on the team's preparation.
- Angolan Ambition: Angola’s head coach, Pedro Goncalves, has expressed strong confidence in his team's ability to secure a victory in Ghana. His belief in the squad's capabilities adds an extra layer of intrigue to this encounter.
Match Details:
The clash between Ghana and Angola is set to take place at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, kicking off at 4 pm on Thursday, September 5. This Group F opener is sure to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for crucial early points in the qualifiers.
As the Black Stars look to make a strong statement in their AFCON campaign, fans can expect a high-stakes, exhilarating match that could set the tone for the rest of the qualifiers.