Angola will be hoping to keep up their impeccable form in all competitions when they take on a struggling Ghana in their Group F Afcon qualifier at Estadio 11 de Novembro on Friday evening.
Kick-off is at 21:00 CAT (SA, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
Angola has been undefeated in their last 12 matches across all competitions and are currently on an eight-match winning streak.
The Black Sable Antelopes have impressed in their qualifying campaign for the Afcon 2025 tournament and breezed past Ghana and South Sudan in their opening two fixtures.
They also did well to beat Niger in both of their matches in October in the qualifiers and are sitting at the top of the table with 12 points having won all of their games so far.
For Ghana, the team has hit a slump and look like a shadow of their former selves. As it stands, the Black Stars’ chances of qualifying for the main draw of the continental showpiece are hanging in the balance.
Their last two matches saw them play to a goalless draw and lose 2-0 to Sudan. Ghana is third in Group F, five points behind Sudan who are placed second with seven points.
The Black Stars absolutely must win this fixture against Angola and their match against Niger to possibly have a late push to secure qualification.
WHAT WAS SAID
Angola head coach Pedro Goncalves has shown immense admiration for Ghana coach Otto Addo and says that the current situation they are facing is unfortunate.
“Ghana is a country of football, and I grew up watching the Black Stars with big names,” he stated.
“They have wonderful players worldwide, including Europe and Portugal. But unfortunately, they’re not in the best moment now.”
“I appreciate the work Otto Addo is doing for Ghana, even though it’s a challenging time. It’s just an unfortunate situation, but this is football,” Goncalves concluded.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mabululu, Angola - Black Sable Antelopes head coach Goncalves has said that the forward is an important member of the team and it’s not hard to understand why. Having scored in the team’s previous qualifying encounter against Niger from the spot, the team will look to him again to provide the goals needed.
Mohammed Kudus, Ghana - Facing a red card suspension in the Premier League for West Ham, the attacking midfielder will look to international football to keep his legs fresh. The fixture could also give him the inspiration to get the Black Stars in gear once again.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Matches played - 7
Angola wins - 1
Ghana wins - 3
Draws - 3