In a dramatic evening in Luanda, Ghana’s hopes of making it to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations came crashing down as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Angola. For the first time in 21 years, the Black Stars will not feature in Africa’s biggest football showcase, a development that has sent shockwaves through Ghanaian football.

Captain Jordan Ayew’s spectacular free-kick gave Ghana an early lead and a glimmer of hope, but Angola responded with an equalizer that sealed Ghana’s fate. The result was a devastating blow to the team’s aspirations, sparking widespread debate about the state of Ghanaian football.

Here are the five major talking points from the match:

1. Ghana Misses AFCON for the First Time Since 2004
The draw in Luanda ended Ghana’s remarkable streak of AFCON appearances, a run that had lasted over two decades. This failure reflects the team’s struggles during the qualifiers and casts a shadow over their storied footballing history.

2. Jordan Ayew Shines Despite the Gloom
Amid the disappointment, Jordan Ayew emerged as a leader on the field. His stunning free-kick was a reminder of his quality, but his individual brilliance wasn’t enough to carry the team to victory.

3. Mohammed Kudus Fails to Deliver Again
Hailed as one of Ghana’s brightest talents, Mohammed Kudus struggled to influence the game. His inconsistent performances in recent matches have raised questions about his role and reliability in the team’s setup.

4. Otto Addo’s Tactical Decisions Under Fire
Coach Otto Addo’s approach to this must-win game has come under heavy scrutiny. His cautious tactics and delayed substitutions left fans frustrated, as the team failed to show the urgency required in such a high-stakes encounter.

5. The Decline of Ghanaian Football
The Black Stars’ failure to qualify for AFCON, combined with their underwhelming performances in recent tournaments, underscores a worrying decline in Ghanaian football. With no clear plan to rebuild, the team’s future looks increasingly uncertain.

As Ghanaian fans come to terms with this painful outcome, the focus will inevitably shift to the structural issues plaguing the national team and the search for solutions to restore the Black Stars’ glory.