Ghana coach Otto Addo has pinpointed the team’s unimpressive home form as a major factor in their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Black Stars needed a win against Angola on Friday to stay in contention for qualification, but despite Jordan Ayew’s stunning free-kick putting them ahead, Angola equalised and ultimately ended Ghana’s chances.
After five matches in the qualifiers, Ghana has failed to win a single game, including two home matches. Their disappointing campaign began with a loss to Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium, marking the end of a 24-year dominance at that venue. The four-time champions also drew goalless with Sudan at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Addo reflected on the team’s struggles, emphasising the importance of winning home games in games like these.
“In general, we have to look at all the games we played, especially our home games. We lost to Angola, where we were better. In these tournaments, you have to win your home games; very, very important. And if you don’t win, it is always difficult to play away and try to win because every nation is strong at home,” he stated.
With Ghana now set to face Niger in their final qualifying match, the stakes are low given their confirmed exit from the qualification.
The match will serve as an opportunity for the team to regroup and aim for a victory to restore some pride after a disappointing qualifying campaign.
