Ghana’s Black Stars have missed out on AFCON qualification for the first time since 2004, following a 1-1 draw with Angola in Luanda.
Razak Simpson, a defender for Nations FC, and Michael Baidoo were given their first starts for the Black Stars in the lineup changes made by Otto Addo.
Abdul Manaf Nurudeen was also trusted in goal ahead of Lawrence Ati-Zigi.
However, Jordan Ayew opened the deadlock for the Black Stars with a stunning free kick after Mohammed Kudus was fouled.
After nineteen minutes, the Leicester City player opted to take the ball and however beat the goalie while standing behind it with Kudus.
Angola nearly equalized in the 27th minute when Gideon Mensah conceded a penalty after fouling Zito Luvumbo in the box.
However, Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, who was making his competitive debut for the national team turned up big to deny M’Bala Nzola from the penalty spot.
Baidoo saw an effort in the 44th minute blocked by the Angolan defence as Ghana headed into the break with an advantage.
Angola eventually found their equalizer in the 63rd minute. Substitute Zini Cabaca Salvador nodded home a perfectly delivered cross from Joao Felicio Milson.
Kudus’s 71st-minute effort went wide of the post as the Black Stars continued their pursuit for their second goal of the game.
Ghana needed Manaf Nurudeen again in the dying minutes, when he pulled off a superb save to deny Angola what looked like the certain winner.
Ghana will wrap up the qualifying round on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, when they host Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Christian Kobby Quarshie
