Ghana’s Black Stars are heading into a must-win showdown against Angola on Friday, with their path to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification still possible but challenging. Sudan’s surprising 4-0 loss to Niger on Thursday has reopened Ghana’s qualifying chances, but they must capitalize on this opportunity by winning their remaining matches.

The Black Stars find themselves under considerable pressure, coming off a winless streak spanning their last four matches. They now face a formidable Angolan team that has already secured their spot in the AFCON, adding to the stakes for Ghana’s qualification hopes.

Victory over Angola would keep Ghana in contention, but they would still need another win in their final game against Niger. Their fate, however, isn’t solely in their hands—they must also rely on Angola to defeat Sudan, who currently hold the second qualifying position and need just a single point to advance.

Niger’s recent dominant display over Sudan, led by standout performances from Daniel Sosah, Ousseini Badamassi, and Youssef Oumarou, has intensified the race for the group’s final qualifying slot. With all four teams—Angola, Sudan, Niger, and Ghana—fighting for that last spot, the Black Stars will need both skill and luck to secure their place.

If Ghana fails to qualify, it would be their first absence from AFCON since 2004, raising the stakes even higher in Friday’s critical match against Angola.