Ghana’s hopes of starting their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign on a high were dashed after a late goal saw them lose 1-0 to Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Thursday.
The Black Stars conceded in stoppage time, ending their 24-year unbeaten home run at the stadium.
Despite controlling much of the game and creating several chances, Ghana were undone in the third minute of added time when Angolan substitute Felício Mendes João Milson struck from close range. The Black Stars‘ defense failed to clear their lines, allowing Milson to slot home and secure the points for his side.
Ghana went into the match looking to extend their winning streak. Jordan Ayew led the attack, with Antoine Semenyo and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku supporting from the wings. Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, and Elisha Owusu formed the midfield trio, while Mohammed Salisu and Abdul Mumin paired in central defense.
Tariq Lamptey and Alidu Seidu occupied the right and left-back positions, respectively.
The Black Stars made a lively start, with Antoine Semenyo coming close to opening the scoring just five minutes in, but his effort drifted wide. Angola’s goalkeeper Neblu was called into action in the 36th minute when Mohammed Kudus unleashed a powerful shot on target, but the keeper made a crucial save to keep the score level.
In the second half, Neblu was tested again, making a smart save to deny Semenyo’s effort in the 58th minute. As Ghana continued to press for the opening goal, they came agonizingly close on multiple occasions.
In the 77th minute, Jordan Ayew saw his shot blocked after rounding the goalkeeper, and Kudus had a goal-bound effort deflected behind for a corner eight minutes later.
Ghana’s pressure mounted, but they were unable to find a breakthrough. Then, in stoppage time, a defensive error from Abdul Mumin allowed Milson to strike, giving Angola the decisive goal.
Head coach Otto Addo made late substitutions, introducing Joseph Paintsil, Majeed Ashimeru, and Inaki Williams in a bid to rescue the game, but the changes had little impact. Angola held on for their first win of the qualifiers, leaving Ghana with much work to do in the coming games.
The defeat marks a significant setback for the Black Stars, who must now regroup ahead of their next fixture against Niger on Monday. With Angola set to host Sudan in the other Group F clash, Ghana will be hoping for a crucial victory to keep their AFCON qualification hopes alive.