2025 AFCON Qualifiers: Ghana’s Black Stars remain winless after Round 4

Competing in Group F alongside Angola, Sudan, and Niger, Ghana’s campaign has been marred by inconsistent performances, leaving their hopes of qualifying for the tournament in Morocco hanging in the balance.

In today’s highly anticipated Round 4 clash, the Black Stars faced off against Sudan, a match that many viewed as a crucial opportunity for Ghana to reignite their AFCON qualification hopes. After a tightly contested goalless first half, both teams emerged from the break looking to seize control of the game.

Ghana’s attack looked promising early in the second half, with Inaki Williams finding the back of the net. However, the Athletic Bilbao striker’s goal was disallowed for offside, a decision that seemed to deflate the momentum the Black Stars were building.

Despite Ghana’s efforts to press forward, it was Sudan who found the breakthrough in the 62nd minute, thanks to Ahmed Al-Tash, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to put his side ahead.

Just three minutes later, Ghana’s defensive woes were further exposed when Sudan’s Mohammed Abdel Raman doubled the lead with a well-placed strike, leaving the Black Stars with a mountain to climb. Ghana tried to rally, but the Sudanese defense held firm, and by the final whistle, the 2-0 scoreline was enough to hand Ghana their second defeat of the qualifiers.

Winless Streak Puts Ghana’s AFCON Qualification in Jeopardy

The loss to Sudan means the Black Stars have now played four matches in the qualifiers without recording a single win. With two draws and two defeats, Ghana’s chances of securing a spot at the 2025 AFCON are increasingly uncertain. Their current form has left fans frustrated, with the team struggling to find cohesion and consistency in both attack and defense.

As it stands, Ghana sits in third place in Group F, trailing behind Angola and Sudan. Angola currently leads the group, while Sudan’s victory over Ghana propelled them to second place. Niger remains rooted at the bottom of the table, but Ghana’s failure to capitalize on their opportunities has placed them in a precarious position heading into the final rounds of qualifiers.

Tactical Struggles and Missed Opportunities

Ghana’s inability to turn promising play into tangible results has been a key factor in their disappointing campaign.

Defensively, Ghana has also been vulnerable, with today’s game highlighting their tendency to concede in quick succession.

While head coach Otto Addo has experimented with different lineups and formations, the results have yet to materialize. His tactical choices have been questioned, with many fans and pundits calling for a more aggressive approach, particularly in attack, where Ghana has failed to be clinical.

Road Ahead: Do or Die for Ghana

With two games remaining in the group stage, Ghana’s path to AFCON 2025 qualification is narrowing. The Black Stars will need to secure victories in their upcoming matches to stand any chance of advancing.

However, with Angola and Sudan both in strong positions, Ghana’s fate may not be entirely in their hands, as they will also rely on other results going their way.

The team’s next fixture is now a must-win, and the pressure on Otto Addo and his players is immense. Fans are desperate for a turnaround, but it will require a collective effort from the players, coaching staff, and management to get the Black Stars back on track.

Can Ghana Bounce Back?

Ghana’s failure to win any of their first four qualifiers has placed them in a precarious position, and the road to AFCON 2025 looks more challenging than ever. The Black Stars, once considered one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses, now face the real possibility of missing out on the continent’s most prestigious tournament.

For now, Ghana’s focus must shift to regrouping, addressing their tactical shortcomings, and finding the winning formula that has eluded them so far. With their backs against the wall, the Black Stars will need to show resilience, determination, and quality in the final rounds if they are to keep their AFCON dreams alive.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet