Following a 1-1 draw with Angola in Luanda, Ghana’s Black Stars have missed out on AFCON qualification for the first time since 2004.
The starting lineup for Ghana’s most recent match against Sudan was altered by Otto Addo, who gave Michael Baidoo and Razak Simpson, defenders for Nations FC, their first starts for the Black Stars.
Also trusted in goal instead of Lawrence Ati-Zigi was Abdul Manaf Nurudeen.
After Mohammed Kudus was fouled, Jordan Ayew scored the first goal for the Black Stars with a spectacular free kick from 35 yards out.
After 19 minutes, the Leicester City player chose to take the ball ahead of the West Ham United striker and beat the goalie while standing behind it with Kudus.
After Gideon Mensah committed a foul in the penalty box, the referee issued a penalty, and Ghana was found wanting minutes later.
But Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, who was playing for the national team for the first time, came through to save M’Bala Nzola from the penalty spot.
The Angolan defense stopped an attempt by Baidoo in the 44th minute, giving Ghana the lead going into halftime.
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was replaced at the beginning of the second half by Ebenezer Annan, and Baidoo was also substituted with Ransford Yeboah.
Following a strong first-half defense of the wide areas, Angola grabbed the equalizer when the Black Stars defense briefly failed.
Zini, who had entered the game in the second half, was unmarked in the area and beat Manaf in Ghana’s goal after Milson’s cross got through.
As the Black Stars continued to look for their second goal of the match, Kudus had a chance in the 71st minute to miss the post.
A few minutes later, Jordan Ayew gave the Black Stars a fantastic opportunity in Ransford Yeboah, but his close-range attempt was saved.
In the last moments, Ghana needed Manaf Nurudeen once more after he made an incredible stop to deny Angola what appeared to be the inevitable winner.
Ghana’s last match in Accra is against Niger on Monday.
