Ghana will face Sudan at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday evening in a crucial qualifying match for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Black Stars have yet to secure a win in this qualifying campaign, while Sudan aims to bounce back from a recent defeat.
Match Preview
After suffering a 1-0 loss to Angola, ending a 24-year unbeaten streak at Kumasi’s Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Ghana followed up with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Niger.
Although Alidu Seidu put Ghana ahead just before halftime, they couldn’t capitalize on their dominance, allowing Niger to equalize in the 81st minute.
With only one point from two matches, Ghana sits third in Group F, making the upcoming games against Sudan critical for their AFCON qualification.
Historically, Ghana has performed well against Sudan at home, winning four of their five encounters, which gives them confidence heading into this match.
Sudan, after a 1-0 victory over Niger, faced a 2-1 defeat against Angola, ending a four-match unbeaten run that included wins against Congo DR, Mauritania, and South Sudan in World Cup qualifying.
This leaves Sudan in second place in the group with three points, positioning them well for the doubleheader against Ghana.
Sudan had previously won two consecutive away matches before their loss to Angola, and under former Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah, they aim to improve on their last encounter with Ghana, which ended in a goalless draw in 2010.
Recent Form
Ghana:
– AFCON Qualifying: LD
– All Competitions: LDWWLD
Sudan:
– AFCON Qualifying: WL
– All Competitions: WLWWWL
Team News
Ghana’s squad has seen some changes, with Thomas Partey, Joseph Paintsil, Kingsley Schindler, and Osman Ibrahim withdrawing due to injuries. They have been replaced by Abu Francis, Jonas Adjei Adjetey, Michael Baidoo, and Ibrahim Sadick. The expected attacking lineup includes Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus, and Abdul Fatawu.
Sudan welcomes back former Al Hilal star Eid Moghaddam and goalkeeper Ahmed Peter. Abo Eisa and Mustafa Karshom each have one goal in the qualifiers, while centre-forward Mohamed Abdelrahman will be eager to score.
Predicted Lineups
Ghana:
– Ati-Zigi; Seidu, Salisu, Mumin, Lamptey; Samed, Ashimeru; Fatawu, Kudus, Semenyo; Ayew
Sudan:
– Abou; Agab, Koko, Karshoum, Khamis, Abuaagla, Khidir; Eisa, Omer, Thierry; Abdelrahman
