Angola secured a surprising 1-0 victory against Ghana in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Thursday, courtesy of an injury-time goal from substitute Felicio Milson. The match, held in Kumasi, ended dramatically when the Serbian-based forward capitalised on Ghana’s failure to clear a low cross, slotting the ball past goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi in the 93rd minute.
The unexpected defeat angered home fans, who responded by throwing plastic bottles onto the pitch after the final whistle. This result marked Ghana’s first loss at the Baba Yara Stadium since 2000, a significant blow to the four-time African champions.
Ghana fielded six Premier League players in their starting XI as they sought redemption following disappointing group-stage exits in the 2022 and 2024 AFCON tournaments. However, one notable absence was 34-year-old midfielder Andre Ayew, who was left out of the squad by coach Otto Addo due to his current status as a free agent after parting ways with French club Le Havre.
Despite enjoying greater possession, more shots on goal, and superior passing accuracy, the Black Stars struggled to breach Angola’s resolute defence. Ghana’s last AFCON trophy win was in 1982, and this latest setback adds to the pressure on the team.
Angola, who reached the quarter-finals of the 2024 AFCON before being eliminated by Nigeria, now share the top spot in Group F with Sudan, who secured a 1-0 win over Niger on Wednesday.
Looking ahead to matchday two, Sudan will travel to Angola on Monday, while Ghana will face Niger away on the same day.
Elsewhere, in another surprising result, Burundi triumphed 3-2 against Malawi in Group L, with Mokono Eldhino scoring the decisive goal in the 87th minute. Malawi, who twice levelled the match, now face an uphill battle in a group that also includes 2022 champions Senegal and Burkina Faso, who play on Friday.
In Group A, Tunisia’s veteran coach Faouzi Benzarti, in his fifth tenure, had to wait until the 98th minute for Ferjani Sassi to secure a 1-0 win over Madagascar in Rades. Meanwhile, in Group B, Louis Mafouta netted twice as the Central African Republic defeated Lesotho 3-1 in El Jadida, Morocco, due to stadium standards in Bangui.
Ten more qualifiers are set for Friday, featuring heavyweights like Ivory Coast, DR Congo, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Zambia, and Senegal making their tournament debuts.