Another stern test awaits the Black Stars as they take on the Black Sable Antelopes of Angola in their opening game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The team has been preparing for the past three days in readiness for the game – as they take the first test towards ending their 42-year wait for an African glory. Under the leadership of Otto Addo, Ghana defeated Mali and Central African Republic in two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June and aim to continue that run to preserve their unbeaten streak. The former Ghana player, who has been in charge since March, is looking to qualify Ghana to her 25th Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco and do better than the last two editions in Cameroon and Cote D’Ivoire where the Black Stars exited at the group stage. The team is looking to set the pace and send a strong signal to their counterparts in the group after Sudan beat Niger by a goal to nil on Wednesday.
Head to Head
Ghana have met Angola eight times in all competitions. The Black Stars appear to always have the advantage having won four, drawn three and lost only once against Angola. Ghana’s last defeat dates back to 1997 when Fabrice Alcebiades scored in the first half to help Angola win at Estadio da Cidadela in Lunada. Aside from that the Black Stars have been dominant against Angola with one of their notable victories coming at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations when they edged them ( Host Angola) in the quarter final through a sublime finish from Asamoah Gyan.
Team News
Coach Otto Addo has a fully fit squad that consists of Arsenal star and stand in Captain Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus of West Ham United, Leicester City duo Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Mohammed Salisu of AS Monaco, Tariq Lamptey of Brighton and Hove Albion and AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo. Inaki Williams who missed the last four games due to injury is back in the squad after recovering from an illness that kept him out of action for close two months. Ghana will be missing the services of Alexander Djiku, Gideon Mensah, Abdul Salis Samed, Ernest Nuamah, Daniel Kofi Kyere, Kamal Deen Sulemana and Ibrahim Sulemana due to injuries.
Angola have players like Zito Luvumbo playing in Cagliari in Serie A, they have Depu in the Portuguese league. They have a lot of players in the Portuguese League, obviously with their connection from Angola. They have Fredy, they have Manuel Benson playing in the championship for Burnley. They have Randy Nteca playing in Rio-Vallecano in the La Liga. They have Clinton Mata in Lyon. This is just for you to see what caliber this opponent is’’ Otto Addo told the press ahead of the game.
The game is scheduled for 16H00 Kick Off at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Thursday, September 5, 2024.
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