As Mohammed Kudus steps up as captain of the Black Stars for today’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Sudan at the Accra Sports Stadium, the pressure is immense. The West Ham United midfielder has the responsibility of guiding his team in a critical double-header that could determine Ghana’s qualification for the next AFCON, a tournament they haven’t missed since 2004.

This match holds more weight due to recent developments, including the resignation of Sudan’s coach, James Kwesi Appiah, from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council, and GFA President Kurt Okraku’s stern remarks aimed at the players, including Kudus and Alexander Djiku.

With Kudus confirmed as captain in the absence of Thomas Partey and Andre Ayew, Coach Otto Addo has entrusted him to rally the team. Kudus, who has scored 11 goals in 36 appearances for the Black Stars since his debut, now faces the challenge of securing Ghana’s first win in the qualifiers after a poor start.

With just one point from two games and a drop in FIFA rankings, Ghana’s fate could hinge on today’s performance. Kudus now has the chance to etch his name in history if he can lead his team to a much-needed victory.