by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Super Eagles interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has shown compassion by granting goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali leave from camp following the heartbreaking loss of his father. The tragic news reached Nwabali shortly after Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Benin in the AFCON qualifiers on Thursday.
Several teammates, including William Troost-Ekong and Alex Iwobi, extended their condolences to the grieving goalkeeper. With Eguavoen’s support, Nwabali returned to Nigeria to be with his family. However, it remains uncertain if his South African club, Chippa United, will grant him additional time off.
In his absence, Udinese’s Maduka Okoye is poised to reclaim the starting goalkeeper role for Nigeria’s upcoming match against Rwanda. Once Nigeria’s first-choice shot-stopper, Okoye has been sidelined recently due to costly errors in previous games.
The fixture against Rwanda, a dead rubber, offers an opportunity for Eguavoen to rotate the squad and give game time to fringe players. This match marks the Super Eagles’ final engagement for the year before shifting focus to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in 2025.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In a night filled with mixed emotions for Ghanaian football fans, Razak Simpson, the 26-year-old Nations FC defender, emerged as a bright spot during Ghana’s 1-1 draw against Angola in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Simpson, a surprise inclusion in the starting lineup, silenced skeptics with a composed and commanding performance in the heart of the Black Stars’ defense. Despite the team’s disappointing elimination from the tournament, his display offered a glimmer of hope for the future.
The Nations FC standout showcased exceptional positional awareness, aerial dominance, and calmness under pressure. Paired with more seasoned defenders, Simpson held his ground and proved he belongs at the international level.
His call-up followed a series of impressive performances in the Ghana Premier League, where he has been a cornerstone for Nations FC. Fans and analysts alike have since hailed his maturity and adaptability on the international stage, with many suggesting that he could be a vital piece in Ghana’s rebuilding efforts.
As the Black Stars turn their focus toward upcoming challenges, Simpson’s debut has rekindled belief in the nation’s ability to unearth fresh talent capable of driving the team forward.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
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.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana head coach Otto Addo is facing mounting criticism after the Black Stars’ 1-1 draw against Angola on Friday night sealed their fate in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The result, Ghana’s third draw in the campaign, officially ended their chances of qualification.
The penultimate match, played at the 11th November Stadium in Luanda, was a must-win for Ghana to keep their slim hopes alive. However, the draw left them with just three points from five matches, rooted to the bottom of Group F.
Ghana’s struggles in the qualifiers were evident from the start, with their first draw coming in September against Niger in Morocco (1-1). This was followed by a goalless stalemate against Sudan at home in October. Alongside two defeats, the Black Stars managed just two goals throughout the campaign, a record well below the standards expected of the four-time AFCON champions.
Friday’s result meant that even a win in their final game against Niger on Monday would not be enough, especially after Nigeria’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Sudan secured the Super Eagles’ qualification. The game in Accra now holds no significance for the Black Stars.
This marks the first time in 21 years that Ghana will miss the Africa Cup of Nations, a bitter blow for the national team and its fans. Pressure is now mounting on Otto Addo and the team to regroup and address the deeper issues affecting their performances.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s bid to secure a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ended in heartbreak on Friday night after a 1-1 draw against Angola at the 11th November Stadium in Luanda. The result extended the Black Stars’ winless run in the qualifiers to five games, leaving them at the bottom of Group F and officially eliminating them from contention.
The four-time AFCON champions struggled throughout the campaign, managing only three points from five matches. Their dismal run included three draws and two defeats, with the team scoring just two goals in total.
Ghana needed a victory against Angola and a win in their final game against Niger to stand any chance of qualification, especially after Nigeria’s dominant 4-0 win over Sudan. However, the draw in Luanda extinguished their slim hopes, rendering Monday’s clash with Niger in Accra meaningless.
This marks the first time in 21 years that Ghana will not feature in the Africa Cup of Nations, a bitter blow for the Black Stars and their fans. The failure underscores a challenging period for a team once considered among Africa’s elite.
