Five talking points from Ghana’s 1-1 draw against Angola in Luanda
Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations were dashed on Friday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Angola, marking the first time in over 20 years that the Black Stars will miss out on the continental tournament.Despite a stunning free-kick from captain Jordan Ayew to give Ghana an early lead, Angola fought back to secure the equalizer, eliminating Ghana from contention.This result adds to the growing frustrations surrounding the national team, as they now face an uncertain future following a disappointing qualification campaign.Here are five talking points from the match;Ghana Miss Out on AFCON for the First Time Since 2004Ghanas 1-1 draw against Angola sealed their fate, marking the first time in over two decades that the Black Stars will miss out on the Africa Cup of Nations. This disappointing result underscores the teams failure in the qualifiers and their inability to maintain the country’s proud AFCON legacy.Jordan Ayew Leads by ExampleAs captain, Jordan Ayew showed leadership on the field, scoring a brilliant free-kick to give Ghana the lead. His performance was one of the few bright spots in a lacklustre team display, but it ultimately wasnt enough to secure qualification.Mohammed Kudus Struggles AgainMohammed Kudus, a key figure for Ghana in recent years, once again failed to make a significant impact. His struggles in the match reflected a broader issue of inconsistency, which has become a recurring theme in his performances for the Black Stars.Otto Addos Tactics Under ScrutinyHead coach Otto Addos decision-making in a crucial must-win game raised eyebrows. His delayed substitutions and tactical approach were questioned, as the team failed to respond positively during key moments, leading to another failure under his leadership.Ghana Football in a Sorry StateThe Black Stars’ inability to qualify for AFCON after consecutive group-stage exits in previous tournaments highlights the ongoing decline in Ghanas football. This failure adds to the growing concerns about the state of the national team, with no clear path to restore their former dominance in African football.
