Ghana/Angola: Ghana Stunned By Late Angola Strike in Kumasi in AFCON Qualifier

Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) suffered a major blow on Thursday as they were stunned by a late goal from Angola in Kumasi.

The Black Stars were on course for a comfortable victory after goals from Mohammed Kudus and Felix Afena-Gyan had given them a 2-0 lead. However, Angola fought back with a goal from Gelson Dala in the 89th minute to snatch a dramatic draw.

The result leaves Ghana third in Group E with four points from three games, one point behind leaders Angola and Burkina Faso. Ghana must now win their remaining two games against the Central African Republic and Madagascar to stand any chance of qualifying for the tournament in Ivory Coast.

Ghana began the game brightly and took the lead in the 12th minute. Kudus, who has been in impressive form for Ajax this season, curled a delightful shot into the top corner from the edge of the area.

The Black Stars doubled their lead in the 25th minute when Afena-Gyan pounced on a loose ball in the Angola area and fired home from close range.

Angola showed little attacking threat in the first half but came out with more purpose after the break. They reduced the deficit in the 89th minute when Dala headed home a cross from the right.

Ghana pushed for a late winner but could not find a way through the Angolan defence. The draw leaves their hopes of qualifying for the AFCON in the balance.

Ghana coach Otto Addo was disappointed with the result but praised his players for their effort.

“We are very disappointed with the result, but I am proud of the effort of my players,” Addo said.

“We created chances and played well for most of the game, but we were punished for our mistakes.”

“We now have two games left and we need to win both of them to qualify for the AFCON. We will learn from our mistakes and come back stronger.”

Angola coach Pedro Gonçalves was delighted with his team’s performance.

“This is a great result for us,” Gonçalves said.

“We knew it would be a tough game, but we showed great character and determination to come back from 2-0 down.

“We still have work to do to qualify for the AFCON, but this result gives us great confidence.”