Sports
Ghana held to goalless draw by Sudan in Africa Cup of Nations qualifier
Ghana shared the spoils with Sudan in a keenly contested 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday.
The Black Stars dominated possession but failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities, leaving Ghana in third place with 2 points.
Coach Otto Addo named Atalanta midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana in his starting line up with Ernest Nuamah, Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo completing a front three that had Alidu Seidu, Gideon Mensah, Alexander Djiku and Mohammed Salisu playing at the back.
Ghana came close to taking the lead in the 4th minute when Alexander Djiku’s effort, off a precise Mohammed Kudus free kick, rattled the crossbar.
Sudan’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Mustafa Ahmed, made a spectacular save to deny Antoine Semenyo in the 17th minute. Kudus continued to pose a threat, unleashing a powerful shot early in the second half, only to be thwarted by Mustafa’s exceptional goalkeeping.
The best chance arose in the 88th minute, but Kudus, in a prime position, was again denied by Mustafa’s crucial goal-line save, securing a vital point for Sudan.
With 2 points from three games, Ghana faces an uphill battle ahead of their crucial return fixture against Sudan on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benina, Libya.
Officials from the Ghana mission in the United Arab Emirates have paid a morale-boosting visit to the camp of the Black Queens.
The delegation, made up of Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto, Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai and Head of Transport Anas Shaibu, visited the team to assure them of the government’s support and commitment to their safety and welfare.
During the visit, the officials interacted with the team and offered words of encouragement, urging the team to remain focused on the tournament despite concerns surrounding unrest in parts of the UAE.
Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto emphasised that the Ghanaian government, through its diplomatic mission, is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to ensuring the team’s safety throughout their stay.
“We want the team to stay calm and focus on the competition. The government and the embassy are doing everything possible to ensure your safety and well-being.” he said.
Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai also reiterated the mission’s readiness to provide any assistance required by the team during the tournament.
Leadership of the team expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and motivating.
With the backing of Ghana’s diplomatic officials in the UAE, the Black Queens remain determined to represent the country proudly and deliver strong performances in the Pink Ladies Cup.
The Black Queens have arrived in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the upcoming Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai. The team touched down at the Dubai International Airport via Emirates Air on Wednesday morning and were warmly received by the competition’s organising officials.
The squad will be based at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, where they will begin their final preparations for the tournament. Organised as part of the international women’s football calendar, the Pink Ladies Cup is expected to feature four national sides using the competition to assess their squads and fine-tune strategies for upcoming tournaments.
Ghana will open their campaign today with a clash against Hong Kong, while Russia and Tanzania face off in the other opening match.
The Black Queens are then scheduled to return to action on March 3, when they take on Russia in a match expected to test them against a physically strong opponent.
The final round of games will be played on March 6, with Ghana closing their campaign against Tanzania at 9:00 pm.
With three matches in eight days, the tournament promises to be a crucial phase in Ghana’s preparation, as the Black Queens aim to return to continental action sharper, stronger, and more competitive.
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