Addo wary of Angola threat

Ghana head coach Otto Addo has warned his team they would be wise not to underestimate Angola in the opening match of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign at the Baba Yara Stadium on Thursday, September 5.

Kick-off is at 6pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

Current form:

Addo returned to the helm for a second spell in March this year in the hope of improving the Black Stars' fortunes at the continental showpiece after their poor showing in the 2021 and 2023 editions.

The former Ghana international won his first two competitive matches in charge as the West African giants beat Mali 2-1 and Central African Republic 4-3 in June's 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Addo oversaw the March friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda on an interim basis, kicking off his tenure with a 2-1 defeat to the Super Eagles before being held to a 2-2 draw by the Cranes.

The Black Sable Antelopes are starting to make progress under Pedro Goncalves after they impressed in Ivory Coast, having reached the quarterfinals for the first time since hosting Afcon in 2010.

Goncalves' side topped Group D with an unbeaten record and they overcame neighbours Namibia 3-0 in the round of 16 before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Nigeria in the last eight.

The Southwestern Africans beat Eswatini 1-0 and drew 1-1 with Cameroon in June to remain undefeated in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

What was said:

Ghana head coach Otto Addo

"The most important thing is that we don't underrate our opponents. Angola has a very strong team with players in LaLiga, the Championship in England, Portugal's top division, and France.

"They are very strong, and we need to be wise not to underestimate them. We have our strengths, but we must focus on our game, particularly defensively, to stay compact and avoid conceding goals."

Angola head coach Pedro Goncalves

"I've been with the Angolan national team for five years, and during that time, we've developed a mentality focused on competing with the biggest countries in African football.

"It's not about being afraid but about challenging ourselves to play against the best teams. Facing Ghana, the third-best team in Africa is a wonderful opportunity for us. Only Egypt and Cameroon have a better history than Ghana."

Players to watch:

Ghana - Antoine Semenyo showed promise with Bournemouth in the Premier League last season, scoring eight goals in 33 appearances and he's made a flying start in the new campaign after bagging two goals in his first three outings. The 24-year-old winger is hoping to carry that form over onto the international stage, having found the back of the net just twice in 21 games for his country to date.

Angola - Gelson Dala was one of the standout performers for Goncalves' side at the 2023 Afcon, bagging braces against Mauritania and Namibia to finish one goal behind Golden Boot winner Emilio Nsue. The 28-year-old forward netted seven times in 21 games for Al-Wakrah in the Qatar Stars League last term and hit the ground in 2024-25 after contributing a goal and an assist against Al-Ahli on the opening weekend.

Head-to-Head:

Matches - 4

Ghana wins - 2

Angola wins - 0

Draws - 2