Ghana’s Black Stars are determined to secure a crucial win in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the in-form Angola. Ghana will host Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on September 5 (this afternoon), before facing Niger on September 9, in their quest to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, which will be held in Morocco
Following the draw, which placed Ghana in Group F with Sudan, Angola, and Niger, there has been growing tension among fans due to the team’s recent lackluster performances. Sudan’s recent 1-0 victory over Niger adds to the pressure on Ghana, who must match Sudan’s results under coach Otto Addo.
Angola, coming off a strong 2023 AFCON performance and a recent COSAFA Cup win, are not to be underestimated. Their impressive run in the 2023 AFCON and COSAFA Cup highlights their strength and confidence.
Ghana, having struggled in recent matches, is looking to improve under Otto Addo, who previously led them to the 2022 World Cup. Despite recent friendlies, the game against Angola will be one of the toughest tests yet.
Form Guide:
Angola:
- June 28, 2024: Angola 0-0 Namibia
- July 1, 2024: Angola 3-2 Seychelles
- July 3, 2024: Angola 3-1 Lesotho
- July 5, 2024: Angola 2-1 Comoros
- July 7, 2024: Angola 5-0 Namibia
Ghana:
- January 22, 2024: Ghana 2-2 Mozambique
- March 22, 2024: Ghana 1-2 Nigeria
- March 26, 2024: Ghana 2-2 Uganda
- June 6, 2024: Ghana 2-1 Mali
- June 10, 2024: Ghana 4-3 Central African Republic
Team News:
Angola:
- Expected to feature Mabululu and Gelson Dala in attack.
- Kialonda Gaspar and David Carmo will likely anchor the defense.
- Fredy Kulembe is a key midfielder.
Ghana:
- Missing Iñaki Williams and Joseph Paintsil due to injuries.
- Majeed Ashimeru returns, while Alexander Djiku, Salis Samed, Ernest Nuamah, and Kamaldeen Sulemana are unavailable.
- Jordan Ayew, who scored a hat-trick recently, is expected to play, and Ebenezer Annan will likely replace Gideon Mensah.
Coach Statements:
Pedro Goncalves (Angola):
- Acknowledges Ghana’s strong midfield and attack, highlighting players like Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, and Iñaki Williams.
Otto Addo (Ghana):
- Confident in his team’s ability to win despite injury challenges, believing the squad is well-prepared.
Head-to-Head:
- Ghana has won four out of eight encounters with Angola, with three draws and one loss.
Predicted Lineups:
Angola (4-3-3):
- Neblu (GK); Mata, Gasper, Carmo, Cruz; Fredy, Show, Nteka; Milson, Mabululu, Dala
Ghana (4-2-3-1):
- Ati Zigi (GK); Tariq Lamptey, Mohammed Salisu, Alidu Seidu, Abdul Mumin; Thomas Partey, Majeed Ashimeru; Fatawu Issahaku, Mohammed Kudus, Inaki Williams; Jordan Ayew
Prediction:
- Ghana 2-0 Angola
