Four-time champions Ghana have been booted out of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 after a draw with Angola on Friday.

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 The Ghanaian scorers who are known as the Black Stars needed two wins in their last two qualifying games including a victory over Angola in order to qualify to the final round of Group F fixtures. 

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The team started off strong, with an early goal from Leicester City forward and team captain Jordan Ayew putting them 1 up in the first half. The Black Stars put up an impressive fight to maintain the lead that Ayew’s long-distance free kick had secured, including Abdul Manaf Nurudeen’s grand save of M'bala Nzola's penalty. 

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However, despite already having qualified for the Cup, Angola refused to accept defeat and a subsequent goal from Zini (set up by Felicio Milson) 64 minutes into the match sealed Ghana's fate.  Ghana have now been booted to bottom place after their away game in Luanda and have failed to reach the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2004.

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This is a crushing blow for Ghanaian fans, who have seen their team play in 24 editions of the tournament. Only seven-time champions Egypt who have played in 26 tournaments and defending champions Ivory Coast who have played in 25 have appeared in more tournaments than the Black Stars. Many fans have shared messages of encouragement for the players, whilst other avid patriots have called the defeat an “embarrassment”. 

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There are now just five spots left at the 24-team finals which will take place in Morocco next with qualifying continuing through Tuesday.

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