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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.
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew says Ghana will leave nothing on the pitch when they face England in today’s World Cup Group L decider at Gillette Stadium.
With both teams on 3 points, Ayew said his job is to ease pressure on the younger players and hold everyone accountable, himself included.
“I’m doing my best to guide the boys, make them comfortable, take pressure off them, and help us perform,” Ayew told reporters. “I have to perform too. They have to perform too. It’s teamwork. We’re helping each other.”
Ghana come into the Foxborough clash after a 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto. England beat Croatia 4-2 in their opener.
The captain’s message was simple, “We’re going to give our 100% and we’re going to fight. I’ll make sure when we come off that pitch, we have no regrets.”
The winner takes control of Group L. Kickoff is 4:00 PM ET at Gillette Stadium.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Black Stars forward Brandon Thomas-Asante insists Ghana will carry no pressure into Tuesday’s World Cup showdown with England at Boston Stadium, saying the team’s self-belief and sense of purpose outweigh outside expectations.
Brandon provided a 95th minute assist that helped Ghana beat Panama 1-0 in Toronto.
The win left both Ghana and England level on three points in Group L following the Three Lions 4-2 over Croatia in their opening match.
Speaking to ghanafa.org Thomas-Asante is adamant that external doubt only fuels the squad.
“Everything to the best ability, it’s very much a case of we back ourselves, we believe in ourselves. Whether people on the outside doubt us, believe us, or anything that’s not what we think about. We think about why we’re here. We’re on a mission,” Thomas-Asante said.
The Coventry City forward said that mission removes any weight of expectation. “That means there’s no pressure. It’s even less pressure for us,” he explained.
“We know our fans believe, but we know that some people might want to overlook us. We use that to our advantage preparing properly and believing that we can go and do something,” He added.
England and Ghana both sit on three points heading into the Foxborough clash, with the winner set to take control of Group L. Kickoff at Boston Stadium on Tuesday.
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