The Black Stars of Ghana resumed their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers with a frustrating result, drawing 0-0 against Sudan in the first leg of their doubleheader on Thursday.
Coach Otto Addo fielded a relatively young and energetic squad, with Ibrahim Sulemana making his debut start for the national team.
Ghana started the game brightly, dominating the early minutes. They almost took the lead in the fifth minute when Alexander Djiku’s header from a Mohammed Kudus cross hit the crossbar. Despite this promising start, Sudan gradually grew into the game and matched the Black Stars’ intensity.
Ghana, under pressure to deliver a win, had another close call in the 16th minute when Antoine Semenyo’s powerful shot was superbly saved by the Sudanese goalkeeper.
Both teams struggled to create clear scoring opportunities throughout the first half. Although Ghana won several free kicks in dangerous areas, they failed to convert them, while Sudan’s defense remained solid, frustrating the hosts and leaving the first half scoreless.
After halftime, the Black Stars continued to push for a breakthrough, keeping up the pressure on the Sudanese defense.
Semenyo missed a good chance to score when he couldn’t get a clean strike, and the Sudanese goalkeeper, Mohammed Mustapha, made a crucial double save to keep the game level.
Jordan Ayew also came close to breaking the deadlock, with his shot narrowly missing the target. In the 60th minute, Sudan made two substitutions, but Ghana remained in control of the game.
Otto Addo brought on Inaki Williams and Abdul Fatawu Isahaku in the 67th minute to replace Jordan Ayew and Ernest Nuamah, hoping for a more attacking threat.
Sudan had a rare chance to score in the 71st minute, but Ghana’s goalkeeper, Lawrence Ati Zigi, made a critical save to keep his side in the match. Ghana pushed forward again, but Mohammed Kudus’ shot was once more denied by the Sudanese goalkeeper.
Michael Baidoo made his debut in the 80th minute, replacing Sulemana, as Ghana continued their search for a goal.
In the dying minutes, Ghana was awarded a free kick after Fatawu Isahaku was fouled near the edge of the box. Kudus’ attempt was deflected, resulting in a corner. Inaki Williams had a late chance, but the Sudanese defense held firm, blocking his effort.
As the match approached full-time, Kudus missed a golden opportunity to secure the win, with Mustapha making another vital save.
The Black Stars kept pressing, but despite their dominance and determination, they couldn’t find the back of the net. Sudan’s goalkeeper made another double save in added time to preserve the 0-0 draw.
The result leaves Ghana in third place with just two points after three games. The Black Stars will face Sudan again in the second leg on Monday, October 14, at the Martyrs of February Stadium.
Ghana will need a win to keep their hopes of qualifying for AFCON 2025 alive, with the tournament set to take place in Morocco.