2025 AFCON Qualifiers: Heartbreak for Ghana as Black Stars miss out after 20 years, Comoros qualify

Ghana’s hopes of reaching the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations ended in heartbreak as a late equaliser saw Angola hold them to a 1-1 draw in Luanda on Friday night.

Despite taking an early lead through Jordan Ayew’s stunning free-kick in the 18th minute, the Black Stars could not hold onto their advantage.

Zine's powerful header in the 64th minute ultimately crushed Ghana's TotalEnergies CAF AFCON dreams.

This result means Ghana, four-time champions, will miss the tournament for the first time in two decades, their last absence being in the 2004 edition in Tunisia.

The draw leaves the Black Stars rooted at the bottom of Group F with just three points from five matches, failing to secure a single victory in the qualification campaign.

Angola tops the group with 13 points, having already secured their ticket to Morocco.

The disappointment for Ghana is palpable, given the country’s rich TotalEnergies AFCON history and reputation as one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses.

Meanwhile, in Group A, Comoros secured their place in the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON for the second time in their history with a crucial 2-1 away victory over Gambia.

It was a tense affair, with Gambia taking an early lead through Alassana Jatta in the 18th minute.

However, Comoros fought back resiliently, leveling the score just before halftime with a well-placed strike from Rafiki Said.

The decisive moment came in the 90th minute when substitute Myziane Maolida headed home the winning goal, sending Comoros to Morocco and sparking jubilant celebrations among their supporters.

With this result, Comoros moves to nine points, trailing group leaders Tunisia by one point.

Elsewhere, Morocco continued their dominant form with a commanding 5-1 thrashing of Gabon in Franceville, despite having already qualified as hosts.

Gabon struck first with an early goal from Denis Bouanga, but Morocco responded with five unanswered goals, showcasing their strength and depth.

Brahim Diaz netted twice, while Jamal Harkass, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Ismael Saibari added to the tally, completing a stellar performance from the Atlas Lions.

Morocco, who have been relentless throughout the qualifiers, now boast a perfect record in Group B with 15 points from five games and a remarkable goal difference of +17.