Black Stars Begin 2025 AFCON Qualifiers with 1-0 Loss to Angola

Ghana’s Black Stars suffered a 1-0 defeat to Angola in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Thursday, September 5, 2024. The defeat, sealed by a late goal in the 93rd minute, was a tough blow for the team, who otherwise delivered a decent performance under the circumstances.

The match saw Angola capitalize on a defensive error, with a poor clearance from Abdul Mumin leading to the Palancas Negras’ winning goal.

Here’s a breakdown of how each Black Stars player performed (rated out of 10):

Black Stars

Lawrence Ati-Zigi – 5
The St. Gallen goalkeeper was reliable when called upon, making two crucial saves in the second half. However, he had little chance to stop the late goal.

Tariq Lamptey – 5
Despite limited playing time at Brighton this season, Lamptey showed great fitness and defensive awareness, contributing to both defense and attack with his overlapping runs.

Alidu Seidu – 4
Playing out of position at left-back, Seidu struggled with crossing and clearance duties. His inability to tackle Angola’s Luvumbo allowed the cross that led to the decisive goal.

Abdul Mumin – 3
Mumin had a solid game until his costly clearance mistake led to Angola’s winner. Despite throwing his body into challenges and forming a good partnership with Salisu, the error overshadowed his performance.

Mohammed Salisu – 4.5
Salisu delivered a calmer performance compared to his recent outings, but his decision to turn his back on the ball during the critical cross led to the goal.

Thomas Partey – 5
Partey played an efficient role in ball distribution and retrieval, but a lapse in midfield coordination allowed the pass that initiated Angola’s winning move.

Elisha Owusu – 4
Owusu played a supporting role close to the central defenders, operating as a third center-back at times. Despite having only one training session, he performed well but was limited in his impact.

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku – 4
The Leicester winger showed glimpses of bravery, taking on defenders, though his efforts were mostly unsuccessful. His impact faded, and he should have been substituted earlier.

Mohammed Kudus – 7
Kudus was Ghana’s standout performer, excelling in the number ten role. The West Ham midfielder was a constant threat, linking up play well and carrying the ball effectively, though he could have shot more often.

Antoine Semenyo – 6
Semenyo was comfortable on the ball and created a great chance for Kudus. His ball-carrying and composure stood out, contributing significantly to Ghana’s attack.

Jordan Ayew – 5
Ayew was his usual self, holding up play and winning fouls, but he lacked presence in the box as the number nine and failed to capitalize on opportunities.

Substitutes
Majeed Ashimeru – N/A
Joseph Paintsil – N/A
Inaki Williams – N/A

Coach Otto Addo – 3.5
The team displayed improved passing rhythms and control compared to previous games, but Addo’s decision to delay substitutions until the 80th minute hindered the team’s ability to push for an equalizer.

Ghana will look to bounce back in their next qualifier, hoping to secure a better result.

Photo credit: GFA