In a stunning upset, Angola defeated Ghana 1-0 in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The match, held in Kumasi, Ghana, saw a dramatic finish as substitute Felicio Milson scored the winning goal in the 93rd minute.
Ghana, despite fielding six Premier League players in their starting lineup, struggled to break down the Angolan defense. The Black Stars dominated possession and had more shots on goal, but ultimately couldn’t find a way past the Angolan goalkeeper. The absence of veteran midfielder Andre Ayew, who is currently clubless, was also noticeable.
The loss was particularly disheartening for Ghana, who had not lost at the Baba Yara Stadium since 2000. Fans, frustrated with the result, reacted by throwing plastic bottles onto the pitch after the final whistle.
Angola, who reached the quarterfinal of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, now shares the lead in Group F with Sudan, who defeated Niger 1-0 on Wednesday. The two teams will face each other in the next round of qualifiers.
The qualifying tournament saw other notable results. Burundi managed a 3-2 away victory over Malawi, thanks to a late goal from Mokono Eldhino. Tunisia, under new coach Faouzi Benzarti, secured a 1-0 win over Madagascar after a goal in the 98th minute. Central African Republic, one of the ten nations yet to qualify for the tournament, defeated Lesotho 3-1, with two goals from Louis Mafouta.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers continue this weekend, with matches featuring reigning champions Ivory Coast, former winners Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Zambia, and Senegal. The tournament will be held in Ivory Coast.
