Ghana's Black Stars Held to Goalless Draw by Sudan in AFCON Qualifier

In an intense but scoreless encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium on October 10, 2024, Ghana's Black Stars faced off against Sudan in a pivotal 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Despite Ghana's dominance throughout the match, neither side managed to break the deadlock, resulting in a goalless draw that has raised questions about Ghana's qualification prospects.

The Black Stars, needing a victory to boost their standing in Group F, started brightly. However, despite numerous opportunities, particularly through captain for the day Mohammed Kudus, they failed to find the back of the net.

Sudan, under the stewardship of former Ghana coach James Kwasi Appiah, displayed a resilient defensive performance, frustrating Ghana's attacking efforts.

This result leaves Ghana with a mere 2 points from three matches, highlighting the pressure on the team and its coaching staff.

The match ended with visible frustration from the Ghanaian supporters.

For Sudan, securing a point against a team like Ghana on their home turf is a significant achievement.

Their goalkeeper, Ali Abu Eshrein, was particularly noteworthy, making crucial saves that kept his team in the game. This outcome will likely boost Sudan's confidence as they look towards their next fixture against Libya.

The implications of this draw extend beyond the points table. For Ghana, the path to AFCON 2025 has narrowed, with fans and analysts now questioning the strategic decisions and the team's preparation.

Coach Otto Addo's job might be under scrutiny, with calls for changes in approach or personnel to reignite the team's campaign.

On the other side, Sudan's coach Appiah may find his reputation further enhanced, having guided his team to an unexpected point away from home.

This performance could be a turning point for Sudan in this year's qualifiers, signaling their intent and capability to compete at higher levels.