The Black Stars of Ghana failed to book a place to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Luanda after playing out a 1-1 stalemate with Angola.
The draw means Ghana now miss out on the AFCON for the first time since 2004 and have themselves to blame after failing to win any of their five qualifying matches so far in Group F.
Ghana began the game on the front foot after skipper Jordan Ayew grabbed the opener through a freekick in the 19th minute and managed to maintain their lead after goalkeeper Abdul Nurudeen denied Angola from the spot prior to the break.
The visitors looked hopeful in the second half, aiming to continue the momentum they had in the first 45 minutes, and did well to create more opportunities and look threatening after the first hour mark.
However, Angola did not relent in pressing and managed to bounce back through an equalizer from Zini, leaving Ghana stranded due to poor defending.
With 20 minutes to play, Ghana had the game in their hands to salvage the situation and grab all three points on the day to avoid elimination.
However, the Black Stars failed to make the most of their opportunities in the second half, and will be missing out on the continental showdown which is to be held in Morocco next year.
Former Black Stars head coach James Akwesi Appiah is now best placed to finish second on the Group F standings behind Angola, though Niger will almost be eyeing a huge win on Matchday six to also boost their chances of making it to Morocco 2025.
It is a horror show for Ghana, yet for Angola, it is time to show Africa what great football and style they posses in their fold.
