AFCON 2025Q: 3 must-see improvements ahead of Angola, Niger games

Two games left and five points off the qualification spot, the Black Stars’ AFCON 2025 dream is on the verge of withering away.

After the disastrous results in the last round of qualifiers, Ghanaians appear to have made peace with the possibility of missing out on the tournament, a phenomenon that makes the final two games against Angola and Niger feel like dead rubber games.

But whatever the feeling, the fact remains that Ghana aren’t mathematically eliminated, just yet. In light of that some things need to change for the better in these last two games, if the team is to register positive results.

Improved Coaching

Coach Otto Addo looked up against it in the team’s last outing against Sudan away from home. The Black Stars’ game-plan just didn’t seem to have the needed impetus to cause problems for the Sudanese, who looked pretty comfortable in their low defensive block, while constantly exploiting the Ghana high line.

The Ghana technical bench struggled to find solutions to the very telling tactical issues, and a composed and well structured Sudanese side took full advantage. This outcome was in stark contrast to what had ensued between the two teams just days prior, with Ghana dominating and creating chances for fun in Accra. The only thing that was missing was the goal. It’s the inconsistency in the success of tactical instructions that needs to improve.
The Black Stars for a long time have looked underwhelming, only showing up in certain spells, and massive improvement must be seen in the final two qualifiers.

Goalscoring issues

Ghana has created a whooping 10 big chances in their four qualifying games so far, scoring just one goal. Goals change games, but the Black Stars can’t seem to locate the back of the net. With the volume of chances the team is creating, it’s astonishing how those responsible for misfiring, are somehow balling out and scoring for fun at their respective clubs, in the best leagues in Europe.

This indicates a palpable lack of confidence in the Ghana camp that needs to be addressed. But in the meantime, creating chances is the first step to scoring goals, so maybe this could be the window where it finally all comes together, in terms of finding the net.

Player attitude and body language 

Ghanaian football fans may have begun the process of giving up on making it to the 2025 AFCON, but the team’s performance in these final two qualifiers remains very important.

Fans at the Accra Stadium chanted Alidu Seidu’s name, amidst a thunderous standing ovation, for his man of the match performance in the disappointing home draw against Sudan. This proves that Ghanaian football fans see beyond results, and recognize when players show dedication to the cause. The current group of players have received some slack for their seeming lack of enthusiasm and lackluster demeanor in recent games.

A call to represent such a rich footballing nation as Ghana remains a privilege, and the playing body must show the desire to repay the people’s faith in every pass, run and tackle.

A glaring show of desire will help in winning the fans over even through this difficult period.

Ghana face Angola in Luanda on November 15 before ending the qualification campaign at home against Niger on November 18.

The Black Stars, who have not failed to qualify for the AFCON since 2004, will need maximum points in their remaining games and hope Sudan pick up, at most, 1 point from their final two games against Niger and Angola.