Ghana’s hopes of reaching the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations ended in heartbreak as a late equaliser saw Angola hold them to a 1-1 draw in Luanda on Friday night.
Despite taking an early lead through Jordan Ayew’s stunning free-kick in the 18th minute, the Black Stars could not hold onto their advantage.
Zine’s powerful header in the 64th minute ultimately crushed Ghana’s TotalEnergies CAF AFCON dreams.
This result means Ghana, four-time champions, will miss the tournament for the first time in two decades, their last absence being in the 2004 edition in Tunisia.
The draw leaves the Black Stars rooted at the bottom of Group F with just three points from five matches, failing to secure a single victory in the qualification campaign.
Angola tops the group with 13 points, having already secured their ticket to Morocco.
The disappointment for Ghana is palpable, given the country’s rich TotalEnergies AFCON history and reputation as one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses.
