This crucial AFCON qualifier pits Sudan against Ghana in a high-stakes encounter at the Benina Martyrs Stadium in Libya.
The Falcons of Jediane secured a valuable point in Ghana, surviving numerous goal attempts and scrambles. This result kept them in contention for a top-two finish.
The Black Stars must avoid defeat to remain in the qualifying spots. Failure to secure a win could see them miss out on AFCON for the first time since 2004.
In five meetings as hosts, Sudan has won two and lost three against Ghana. However, their most recent encounter ended 1-0 in favor of the Falcons in a 2020 AFCON qualifier.
The Falcons boast an unbeaten run in their last three home qualifiers, including: a draw against Togo (World Cup qualifiers, November 2023), a win over Congo DR (World Cup qualifiers, November 2023) and a 1-0 win over Niger (AFCON qualifier, last month).
Otto Addo’s side has wasted opportunities, failing to score in two of three qualifiers. They must reignite their campaign to avoid missing out on AFCON.
Ghana’s Otto Addo ahead of the match had this to say about luck : “Luck is part of football, but the probability of being unlucky three times in a row is low. If we show the same attitude and belief, I’m confident we’ll win.”
Sudan’s Kwesi Appiah after the last game said they fought hard for the draw. And in the return leg, they will give everything and fight for a big win.
