Ghana will host Sudan in an essential AFCON qualifier as both teams aim to secure their standings in the group. Ghana seeks their first victory following a draw and a loss, while Sudan looks to overcome their recent defeat. Key players are missing for Ghana due to injuries, but they carry a strong historical record against Sudan at home. The match is crucial for both teams’ hopes of qualifying for the 2025 tournament.
On Thursday evening, Ghana will face Sudan in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match at the Accra Sports Stadium. The Black Stars are eager to secure their first win in the campaign following a lackluster start, which saw them draw against Niger after a disappointing loss to Angola. In contrast, Sudan enters the match after a mixed bag of results, having lost their last game against Angola after an initial victory over Niger. Ghana’s national team, led by Coach Otto Addo, began their AFCON qualifications with a startling 1-0 defeat to Angola, ending a 24-year unbeaten run at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. They followed this setback with a 1-1 draw against Niger, which has left them in a precarious position within Group F, now sitting third with only one point from two matches. The Black Stars must perform excellently in their upcoming home games against Sudan, as failures could jeopardize their long-standing record of consecutive AFCON appearances since 2004. Historically, Ghana has been formidable at home against Sudan, having emerged victorious in four of their five encounters at home. This historical advantage provides the Black Stars with a confidence boost despite their current struggles. Meanwhile, Sudan, managed by former Ghanaian coach James Kwesi Appiah, currently occupies second place in Group F with three points after two matches. The Falcons of Jediane had a positive start but recently lost to Angola, ending a four-match unbeaten stretch that included wins against teams like Congo DR and Mauritania during previous qualifiers. In terms of team news, Ghana has faced several injury challenges, with key players such as Thomas Partey and Joseph Paintsil having withdrawn from the squad. New call-ups include Abu Francis and Ibrahim Sadick. The expected attacking lineup for Ghana includes players like Mohammed Kudus and Ayew. Conversely, Sudan has made some reinforcements, welcoming Eid Moghaddam back to the squad alongside notable goal-scorers Abo Eisa and Mustafa Karshom. In light of both teams’ recent performances, predictions lean towards a close encounter, with an anticipated scoreline favoring Ghana at 2-1.
The match is a critical fixture in the 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign, significant for both Ghana and Sudan as they seek to secure their places in the prestigious tournament. The Black Stars have historically dominated this matchup, suggesting a deep-rooted advantage when playing at home. Sudan’s recent victories on the road will serve either as momentum or pressure, particularly as they attempt to rebound from an unfortunate defeat. The stakes are high for Ghana, whose long-standing AFCON presence is at risk following their earlier struggles in the qualification round.
In summary, Ghana is poised to reclaim their form against Sudan, armed with both historical home advantage and the need to improve their qualifying standings. The outcome of this match will prove crucial as both teams vie for a successful campaign, underscored by Ghana’s aspirations to maintain their continuous presence in AFCON since 2004. A predicted score of 2-1 in favor of Ghana reflects their potential to leverage their home ground and player quality against a Sudanese side that seeks to restore its confidence after recent setbacks.
Original Source: www.sportsmole.co.uk
