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Ghana fails to qualify for Africa Cup of Nations for first time in 20 years

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Nov 16, 2024 13:10 293

Ghana's national team failed to qualify for Africa Cup of Nations football for the first time since 2004 a year ago after finishing 1:1 with Angola in the qualifiers of the tournament.

"The Black Stars" needed a win in their penultimate group game to keep alive hopes of a place in next year's competition in Morocco.

Ghana, a four-time African Cup of Nations champion, has participated in 24 editions of the tournament. Only seven-time champions Egypt (26) and defending champions Ivory Coast (25) have more.

Already qualified Angola started the better in front of the home fans in Talatona, but veteran Jordan Ayew opened the scoring for the visitors with a brilliant free-kick from distance in the 18th minute.

M'Bala Nzola had a chance to equalize from the penalty spot, but Ghana keeper Abdul Manaf Nurudeen saved his shot.

However, the hosts continued to press and Zini equalized in the 64th.

Ghana remained bottom of qualifying Group F with just three points from five games. The team needed two wins in their last two games and hoped Sudan (seven points) would lose both their matches.

Zambia, Mali and Zimbabwe secured their place in the tournament yesterday, while Nigeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon earned their places on Thursday.

Victor Osimene's late goal was enough for Nigeria to advance after a 1-1 draw against Benin.

Morocco, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Algeria, Congo, Cameroon, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and Angola had already qualified. There are still six spots available in the 24-team tournament, with qualifying running until Tuesday.