I’m Ghana’s dreams of returning to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) were crushed on Friday as they failed to qualify for the 2025 tournament. The four-time champions, who finished at the bottom of Group F, couldn’t muster the points needed, ending their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Angola. This marks the first time Ghana will miss the AFCON finals since 2004, a heartbreaking blow for the Black Stars’ fans.
Leicester City’s Jordan Ayew gave Ghana a promising start with an 18th-minute goal in Luanda, but Angola’s Ambrosini “Zini” Salvador equalized in the 64th minute to seal their fate. Despite their spirited efforts, Ghana finished four points behind second-place Sudan, with Angola already topping the group and securing qualification.
Meanwhile, the Comoros delivered one of the most thrilling stories of the qualifiers, clinching their spot with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Gambia. Myziane Maolida’s last-minute goal completed the island nation’s comeback after an early deficit, sending them to Morocco for the tournament.
Zambia also booked their ticket to the finals with a 1-0 win over defending champions Ivory Coast in Ndola. Kennedy Musonda’s decisive first-half goal handed the Zambians a crucial victory while raising doubts about the Ivorians’ readiness for the upcoming tournament.
Mali extended their impressive record with a 1-0 win over Mozambique, thanks to Kamory Doumbia’s match-winner in Maputo. This secured Mali’s 10th consecutive AFCON qualification, while Mozambique still has a shot at joining them if they draw with Guinea-Bissau in their final game.
Zimbabwe, too, punched their ticket to the finals with a 1-1 draw against Kenya. Tawanda Maswanhise’s early goal ensured Zimbabwe’s progress, despite Jonah Ayunga’s equalizer for Kenya. The result eliminated Kenya from contention.
Elsewhere, Botswana’s chances took a hit after a 1-1 draw with Mauritania, leaving them with a daunting final match against Egypt. In Group K, South Africa overtook Uganda with a 2-0 victory in Kampala, fueled by substitutes Thapelo Morena and Patrick Maswanganyi.
With big names like Ghana missing out and smaller nations like Comoros making history, AFCON 2025 is shaping up to be as unpredictable as it is exciting. Fans can look forward to an electrifying tournament when it kicks off in Morocco!
