Sudan will face off against Ghana on Tuesday afternoon at the Martyrs of February Stadium in a crucial return leg of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The Falcons of Jediane are hoping to extend their advantage over the Black Stars and secure a strong position in Group F.
Currently, Sudan sits second in the group with four points after three games, two points ahead of Ghana, who occupy third place with two points.
Match Preview
In the first leg last Thursday, Sudan, managed by Kwesi Appiah, held Ghana to a hard-fought goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium, despite several goal attempts from the Black Stars. This vital away point helped Sudan avoid falling to third place after an earlier loss to Angola.
However, the Falcons of Jediane still face a challenge. To maintain their spot in the top two and strengthen their chances of securing one of the group’s AFCON spots, they need to avoid defeat on Tuesday.
Historically, Sudan has had a mixed record when hosting Ghana, winning two of their five meetings but losing three. The most recent encounter in Sudan, however, ended in a 1-0 victory for the home side in a 2020 AFCON qualifier.
Sudan’s recent home form in qualifiers has been strong, with an unbeaten run in the last three games they’ve hosted. This includes a draw against Togo and a win over Congo DR in World Cup qualifiers, as well as a 1-0 win over Niger in their last AFCON qualifier.
For Ghana, wasted opportunities in the first leg have left them in a tough spot. Despite having 20 goal attempts and seven shots on target, the Black Stars failed to break through Sudan’s defense. Now, they face the risk of missing out on AFCON for the first time since 2004 if they don’t secure a win on Tuesday.
Ghana, under the leadership of Otto Addo, will need to find a way to reignite their AFCON campaign. Addo, who was reappointed in March, is unbeaten on the road in his second stint as coach, with a 2-1 win over Mali and a 1-1 draw against Niger in the ongoing qualifiers.
Facing a familiar opponent in Kwesi Appiah, who was recently a coach for Ghana and a member of the GFA’s executive council, the Black Stars must find a new approach to break Sudan’s defenses, having failed to score in two of their three qualifiers so far.
Team Form
Sudan AFCON Qualifying Form: W L D
Sudan Overall Form: L W W W L D
Ghana AFCON Qualifying Form: L D D
Ghana Overall Form: D W W L D D
Team News
For Ghana, Inaki Williams could start after impressing with three shot attempts in the first leg despite only coming on as a substitute. Mohammed Kudus, who missed two key chances, will be eager to make amends in a more clinical performance behind the striker.
Sudan’s goalkeeper Mohamed Mustafa was a standout performer in the first leg, making seven saves. He will look to be a decisive factor once again, while forward Mohamed Abdelrahman hopes to open his goal tally for the qualifiers.
What the Coaches Say
After the goalless draw in Accra, both coaches are setting their sights on victory. Ghana’s Otto Addo expressed confidence ahead of the return leg, stating, “Sudan was lucky today, but next time in Libya, they won’t be as lucky. We will beat them.”
Sudan’s Kwesi Appiah is also optimistic, telling the Sudanese Football Association: “It was a tough game, but we fought hard for the draw. In the return leg, we will give everything and fight for a big win.”
Possible Lineups
Sudan: Mustafa, Agab, Koko, Karshoum, Yousif, Khidir, Al-Rasheed, Saeed, Eisa, Abdelrahman, Thierry
Ghana: Ati-Zigi, Seidu, Salisu, Djiku, Mensah, Owusu, Sulemana, Nuamah, Kudus, Semenyo, Inaki
Prediction
Sudan 0-0 Ghana