Ghana fails to qualify for AFCON after drawing with Angola

Ghana’s hopes of reaching the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations were dashed on Friday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Angola in Luanda.

The Black Stars took the lead early with a stunning free-kick from Jordan Ayew in the 18th minute, but they couldn’t maintain their advantage. In the 64th minute, Zine’s powerful header levelled the score, ultimately ending Ghana’s qualification dreams.

This result means Ghana, a four-time African champion, will miss the tournament for the first time in 20 years, with their last absence coming in the 2004 edition in Tunisia. The draw leaves them at the bottom of Group F with just three points from five matches, having failed to win any of their qualifiers.

Angola, who have already secured their place in Morocco, top the group with 13 points.

In Group A, Comoros secured their place in the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON for only the second time in their history, with a crucial 2-1 victory over Gambia.

Despite Gambia taking the lead through Alassana Jatta in the 18th minute, Comoros fought back and equalized just before halftime with a well-placed shot from Rafiki Said.

The winning goal came in the 90th minute when substitute Myziane Maolida headed home, securing Comoros’ place in Morocco and sparking wild celebrations.

Comoros now sits on nine points, just one behind group leaders Tunisia.

In other action, Morocco maintained their dominance with a resounding 5-1 win over Gabon in Franceville, despite already being qualified as hosts.

Gabon initially took the lead with a goal from Denis Bouanga, but Morocco responded with five unanswered goals, including two from Brahim Diaz and one each from Jamal Harkass, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Ismael Saibari.

Morocco now sits atop Group B with a perfect 15 points from five games and an impressive +17 goal difference.