Ghana is set to host Sudan at the Accra Sports Stadium for a critical 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Thursday evening.
The Black Stars are yet to secure a win in this qualifying campaign, while Sudan will be looking to bounce back after a defeat in their last outing.
Ghana’s qualifying journey started on a disappointing note when their 24-year unbeaten streak at Kumasi’s Baba Yara Sports Stadium was ended by Angola in a 1-0 defeat in the opening game of the campaign.
This was followed by a frustrating 1-1 draw with Niger in their second match.
Alidu Seidu gave Ghana the lead just before halftime, but the team failed to capitalise on their dominance.
Niger later equalised in the 81st minute through Oumar Sako, leaving Ghana with only one point from two matches.
Currently sitting third in Group F, Otto Addo’s side is under pressure to secure points in their back-to-back games against Sudan, which are crucial for their AFCON qualification hopes.
With only two matches remaining after this window, the Black Stars cannot afford further slip-ups.
Missing out on the 2025 AFCON would be a major setback for a team that has consistently featured in the tournament since 2004.
Despite their shaky start, Ghana will take comfort in their strong home record against Sudan, having won four and drawn one of their previous five meetings in Accra.
That history, along with the home advantage, may bolster their confidence heading into Thursday’s match.
On the other side, Sudan opened their Group F campaign with a 1-0 victory over Niger but suffered a 2-1 defeat to Angola in their second match.
The loss ended their four-game unbeaten streak in competitive matches, a run that included wins over Congo DR, Mauritania, and South Sudan in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Under the guidance of former Ghana coach James Kwesi Appiah, Sudan currently sits second in the group with three points, placing them in a favourable position ahead of their crucial encounters with Ghana.
The Falcons of Jediane have shown good form on the road, winning consecutive away matches against South Sudan and Mauritania in World Cup qualifiers before their setback against Angola.
As Appiah leads Sudan against his former team, they will be aiming to improve on the goalless draw they managed in Ghana during the 2010 AFCON qualifiers.
Both teams are aware of the importance of this fixture as they seek to solidify their positions in the group and move closer to securing a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament.
Kickoff Time: 4PM Ghanaian time.
Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024
Venue: Accra Sports Stadium