Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations took another blow as they were held to a goalless draw by Sudan at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday.
The Black Stars dominated possession and created numerous chances but lacked the finishing touch needed to secure their first win of the qualifying campaign.
Otto Addo’s side remain third in Group F with two points from three matches, two points behind Sudan and four adrift of leaders Angola.
Ghana started brightly, with Alexander Djiku rattling the crossbar from a Mohammed Kudus cross after just five minutes. Ernest Nuamah and Antoine Semenyo both went close before halftime, but resolute defending from Sudan kept the scores level.
The home side continued to press after the break, with Semenyo and Kudus both testing Sudan goalkeeper Mohamed Al Mustafa. However, it was Sudan who nearly snatched a surprise lead when Lawrence Ati-Zigi was forced into a smart save from a long-range free-kick.
Ghana’s frustration was epitomised in the closing stages as Inaki Williams twice went close before Mohammed Kudus somehow failed to convert from point-blank range.
The result leaves Ghana with an uphill battle to qualify for the tournament in Morocco, with crucial matches against Angola and Niger still to come.
“We created enough chances to win the game,” said Ghana coach Otto Addo. “But sometimes in football, you need that bit of luck to get the ball over the line. We’ll keep working hard and believing in ourselves.”
Ghana’s next qualifier is away to Angola on Monday, 15 October.
TEAMS
Ghana: L. Ati-Zigi, A. Seidu, A. Djiku, M. Salisu, G. Mensah, E. Owusu, I. Sulemana (M. Baidoo 80′), E. Nuamah (A. Fatawu 69′), M. Kudus, A. Semenyo, J. Ayew (I. Williams 69′).
Sudan: M. Al Mustafa, R. Agab, A. Kuku, M. Karshoum, A. Yousif, M. Erneq, M. Al Rashed (A. Al Tash 61′), W. Khedr, A. Eisa (E. Mugadam 61′), M. Abdelrahman (J. Robia 85′), S. Terry (M. Eisa 67′).
