Ghana’s dismal run in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers worsened following a disappointing loss to Sudan on Tuesday, October 15.
After a frustrating goalless draw in Accra, the Black Stars had hoped to secure their first win in the reverse fixture held in Libya. However, the game took an unfortunate turn for the Ghanaians, as second-half strikes from Ahmed Hamed Mahmoud and Mohamed Abdel Raman handed Sudan a decisive victory, leaving Ghana in shock.
The defeat leaves Otto Addo’s men in third place in the group standings, with a precarious tally of just two points out of a possible 12. As a result, Ghana’s qualification hopes for AFCON 2025 in Morocco are now hanging by a thread.
Meanwhile, Sudan’s seven-point total has brought them closer to securing their spot in the prestigious tournament. On the same day, Angola will have the opportunity to seal their qualification with a win or a draw against Niger.
Ghana’s AFCON Qualification Hopes in Limbo After Sudan Loss
Despite the dire situation, Ghana’s path to AFCON 2025 qualification is not completely closed. Although the Black Stars appear on the brink of elimination, there is still a slim mathematical chance of securing a place at the continental showpiece.
What Ghana Needs to Qualify for AFCON 2025
Throughout the qualifiers, Ghana has struggled to find consistency, with their four matches yielding underwhelming results. Yet, with over three weeks before their final two fixtures, Ghana retains a glimmer of hope.
To stay in contention, the Black Stars must win both of their remaining games: an away clash against Angola and their final fixture against Niger. Securing six points from these two encounters would bring their tally to eight points.
However, even if they manage two victories, Ghana’s fate will not be in their own hands. Their qualification will also depend on other results within the group.
Why Ghana Needs Sudan to Lose for AFCON 2025 Qualification
To keep their dreams alive, Ghana will need Sudan to falter in their final two matches. Specifically, Sudan must lose both their away fixture against Niger and their home game against Angola. Anything less than two defeats for Sudan would extinguish Ghana’s chances of qualifying for Morocco 2025.
In short, Ghana faces an uphill battle: they need two must-win games while hoping for Sudan to slip up. If Ghana manages to secure these crucial victories and Sudan falters, the Black Stars could still book their place in AFCON 2025.
Failure to do so would mean missing out on Africa’s premier football competition for the first time in over a decade, a bitter pill to swallow for the football-mad nation.
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