2025 AFCON Qualifiers: It is time for our first victory, says Black Stars coach Otto Addo ahead of Angola clash

DOHA, QATAR – NOVEMBER 23: Otto Addo, Head Coach of Ghana, looks on during the Ghana Press Conference at the Main Media Center on November 23, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Shaun Botterill – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)Black Stars coach, Otto Addo has emphasized that they must win against Angola to keep their chances of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament alive.Ghana, who are four-time African champions have endured a torrid campaign in the qualifiers and are at risk of failing to qualify for the AFCON tournament for the time in 20 years.Otto Addo and his charges suffered a 1-0 defeat in their opener at the Baba Yara Stadium before a 1-1 draw against Niger.The Black Stars were hoping to return to winning in a doubleheader against Sudan but they were held to a goalless scoreline at the Accra Sports Stadium before suffering a 2-0 defeat in the return leg.These results leave Ghana now at the 4th place in Group F with just two points following Niger’s 4-0 win over Sudan on Thursday in Lome.The Nigeriens’ win has also handed the Black Stars a lifeline to qualify but must win against Angola and Niger and hope Sudan lose against Angola.Ahead of the game against the Palancras Negras, Addo, 45, speaking to the Ghana FA website assured that the players are mentally ready for the game and insisted that it is time to go out to record their first win to keep their hopes alive.”But I think mentally the boys are ready. I’m looking forward to that game. It’s time for our first victory in this competition,” the former Borussia Dortmund talent coach said.”I think it’s a great opportunity to keep the chance alive,” he added.The game has been scheduled to kick off at 19:00 GMT.