Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations were dashed on Friday night as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Angola in Luanda. Despite an early lead courtesy of Jordan Ayew’s spectacular free-kick in the 18th minute, the Black Stars couldn’t maintain their advantage.

Angola’s Zine netted a powerful header in the 64th minute to level the score, ultimately ending Ghana’s dreams of reaching the tournament. This result means the four-time champions will miss the competition for the first time in 20 years, with their last absence dating back to the 2004 edition in Tunisia.

The draw leaves Ghana stranded at the bottom of Group F with just three points from five matches, failing to win any of their qualifying games. Angola, who are already through to Morocco, lead the group with 13 points.

For Ghana, the disappointment is significant given the nation’s storied AFCON history and status as one of Africa’s footballing giants.

In Group A, Comoros secured their second-ever AFCON qualification with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Gambia. Gambia initially took the lead through Alassana Jatta in the 18th minute, but Comoros responded just before halftime with a strike from Rafiki Said. The winning goal came in the 90th minute when substitute Myziane Maolida scored with a header, sending Comoros to Morocco and igniting wild celebrations. Comoros now has nine points, trailing Tunisia by just one point.

Meanwhile, Morocco continued their dominant form with an emphatic 5-1 win over Gabon in Franceville. Gabon initially took the lead with a goal from Denis Bouanga, but Morocco stormed back, scoring five unanswered goals. Brahim Diaz scored twice, and Jamal Harkass, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Ismael Saibari each added a goal, completing an impressive performance. Morocco, already qualified as hosts, finished Group B with a perfect record of 15 points from five games and an outstanding goal difference of +17.