Ghana is set to take on Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium this Thursday as they kick off their journey to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Black Stars are eager to start on a high note with a win.
These teams last met during the qualifiers for the previous AFCON, where Ghana managed a 1-0 victory at home and later secured a 1-1 draw in the away leg.
Under the leadership of Otto Addo, who is now in his second stint as head coach, Ghana has shown promise. Despite a tough start with a loss to Nigeria, Addo has guided the team to two wins and a draw in four matches.
Recently, Ghana pulled off a thrilling 2-1 win against Mali and a 4-3 triumph over the Central African Republic in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The latter was an intense match, with Louis Mafouta netting a hat-trick for Central African Republic, while Jordan Ayew matched it with his own hat-trick for Ghana. Abdul Fatawu also found the back of the net in that goal-heavy encounter.
After a disappointing group-stage exit in the last AFCON, which led to the departure of coach Chris Hughton, the Black Stars have rebounded and are now aiming for their third consecutive win across all competitions, a feat they haven't achieved since mid-2022.
Ghana holds an unbeaten record against Angola, with two wins and two draws from their previous four meetings. Meanwhile, Angola is coming into this match on a high after winning the COSAFA Cup in July, marking their fourth victory in the tournament’s history. Pedro Goncalves's squad went undefeated, capping their campaign with a 5-0 demolition of Namibia in the final, where Victor Pedro Nanque scored twice.
The Palancas Negras are looking to secure their 10th appearance in the AFCON, having reached the quarterfinals in the last edition before being knocked out by Nigeria.
Angola's last AFCON qualifying campaign was a mixed bag, with two wins, three draws, and one loss, and they are hoping to improve in this group, which also includes Niger and Sudan.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Ghana's squad has welcomed back several key players: LA Galaxy's Joseph Paintsil, Turkey-based Kingsley Schindler, Anderlecht's Majeed Ashimeru, and Athletic Bilbao’s forward Inaki Williams. They missed the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic in June but are now back.
Leicester's Ayew, who has scored in the last five matches, is set to lead the attack again, with West Ham's Mohammed Kudus supporting him from behind.
For Angola, look out for Mabululu and Gelson Dala up front, as they were a real menace to defenses during the AFCON.
In the Palancas Negras defense, Kialonda Gaspar is a steady presence, and David Carmo is expected to stay alongside him in central defense.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Ghana possible starting lineup:
Ati-Zigi; Seidu, Djiku, Salisu, Mensah; Samed, Partey; Fatawu, Kudus, Semenyo; Ayew
Angola possible starting lineup:
Neblu; Mata, Gasper, Carmo, Cruz; Fredy, Show, Nteka; Milson, Mabululu, Dala
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
Ghana 3-2 Angola
Ghana seems to be hitting their stride under the new coach, and they've had a strong track record in this fixture. Given their recent form and Angola’s struggles in AFCON qualifying, we’re predicting a win for Ghana on Thursday.
