Softfootball offers a detailed preview of Friday’s anticipated Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match between Angola and Ghana, including predictions, team news, and potential starting lineups.
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This high-stakes encounter will see Angola looking to continue their nearly flawless form as they play host at Estadio 11 de Novembro, while Ghana arrives in Luanda hoping to revitalize their fading hopes of securing a spot in next year’s tournament.
Match Preview
Few expected Angola to dominate their AFCON Qualifying group so convincingly. Yet, Pedro Goncalves’s squad has outperformed predictions, securing wins against formidable opponents like Ghana and Sudan in the opening matches and swiftly dispatching Niger in their latest doubleheader.
The team’s eighth consecutive win across all competitions came last month, where Zini’s swift opener at Stade Larbi Zaouli proved to be the decisive factor against Niger. This victory extended Angola’s undefeated streak to 12 games, a remarkable run dating back to March’s friendly against Morocco.
With seven clean sheets and an impressive 21 goals in recent matches, Angola stands as one of only five teams—alongside Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and DR Congo—to hold a perfect record in the AFCON qualifiers. Currently leading Group F by five points over Sudan and an additional five points ahead of third-place Ghana, Angola’s stellar defensive and offensive performances have solidified their position as group leaders.
Ghana, on the other hand, entered the qualifiers as a favorite after appearing in the last ten AFCON tournaments, yet their campaign has faltered.
A 1-0 loss to Angola in their opening match set the tone for a series of disappointing results, including consecutive draws with Niger and Sudan, followed by a 2-0 defeat to Sudan.
In their last outing in Benghazi, quick goals from Ahmed Al-Tash and Mohamed Abdel Raman crushed Ghana’s chances and left the Black Stars on the brink of missing out on AFCON for the first time since 2004.
Ghana must now secure wins in their remaining qualifiers to have any chance of overtaking Sudan and clinching second place.
Team News and Lineups
In a boost for Angola, midfielder Aldair Ferreira has been called up for the first time and may make his international debut.
Team captain Fredy, nearing his 60th cap, is set to join the ranks of Angola’s most-capped players, a feat reached by only ten others in the nation’s history.
Angola’s solid lineup, featuring stalwarts like Neblu, Bastos, and Luvumbo, is expected to remain consistent.
Ghana, however, will be without several key players, including Thomas Partey, Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Ibrahim Osman, and Tariq Lamptey, due to injuries. The absences have opened up a spot for Osman Bukari, who aims to make an impact in this crucial fixture. Star player Mohammed Kudus will return to action for the first time since October 19, eager to help keep Ghana’s dreams alive.
Predicted Angola Lineup: Neblu; Fortuna, Gaspar, Bastos, Carneiro; Show, Maestro, Fredy; Milson, Mabululu, Luvumbo
Predicted Ghana Lineup: Ati-Zigi; Mensah, Seidu, Aidoo, Opoku; Sulemana, Kudus, Simpson; Ayew, Fatawu, Paintsil
Prediction
Given Ghana’s numerous absences and recent struggles, this matchup presents a significant challenge for them.
Angola’s form suggests they may have the upper hand, yet Ghana’s determination to stay in the race might lead to a hard-fought draw. A balanced encounter could very well end with both sides sharing the points at the final whistle.
