AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: Ghana hopes falter as Sudan hold Black Stars to frustrating draw
Asuo Tanor
Ghana's quest to revive their fortunes in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers took a significant blow as they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by a resilient Sudan side at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday.
Despite dominating early proceedings, the Black Stars were unable to convert their chances, leaving their hopes of qualification hanging by a thread.
The home team started brightly, with Alexander Djiku rattling the crossbar with a header in the 4th minute after a precise corner delivery from Mohammed Kudus.
Their attacking efforts continued when Antoine Semenyo forced Sudan goalkeeper Mohamed Mustafa Ahmed into a superb save in the 17th minute.
However, Sudan slowly found their rhythm, stifling Ghana's creativity and making it difficult for the Black Stars to break through their organized defence.
Kudus remained a key threat and nearly broke the deadlock with a fierce shot early in the second half, only to be denied once again by Mustafa’s heroics.
The best chance came late in the 88th minute, when Kudus, in a prime position, failed to beat Mustafa, whose goal-line save sealed Sudan’s point.
Ghana, with just two points from three games, face an uphill battle ahead of their crucial return fixture on October 15, 2024 at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Libya.
