2025 AFCON Qualifier: Hard luck for Ghana’s Black Stars as Sudan get crucial point in Accra

It was an unbelievable scene at the Accra Sports Stadium as the Black Stars of Ghana were held to a goalless draw game by the Falcons of Sudan in the third match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.The Black Stars huffed and puffed for a goal in the match, but the heroics of Sudanese goalkeeper Mohammed Mustafa ensured the spoils were shared at the end of the game.The Black Stars would stay in third position with two points from three matches, while Sudan is second with four points from three matches. Angola are top of the group with six and would play bottom-placed Niger tomorrow.Alexander Djiku had the first chance to give Ghana the lead, but his header from close range came off the crossbar to relieve the Sudanese defence.The pressure from the Black Stars in the opening minute was relentless and Ernest Nuamah had an opening in the 11th minute but his effort was saved.The Black Stars were very impressive with their play with half an hour and a half play with their Sudanese counte rparts largely on the back foot.The Falcons of Sudan had occasional counterattacks and Yacoub came close to giving his side a surprise lead in the 35th minute of the game.Despite the numerous chances created by the Black Stars, the Sudanese stood their ground until the first half ended goalless.The Black Stars started the second half on the front foot as they mounted pressure on the opponents.Djiku, who came close earlier in the game had another opportunity to put Ghana ahead but his header from close range went off target.Sudanese goalkeeper Mohammed Mustafa made another heroic save when he denied Kudus from close range in the 55th minute.Kwesi Appiah clearly had a strategy for his side as they were solid with their defending and proved a difficult side to break.Malik nearly gave Sudan the lead with an expertly taken free-kick, but Ghana goalkeeper Ati-Zigi delivered brilliantly to deny his opponents.The Black Stars huffed and puffed for a last-gasp strike but most of their attempts couldn't yield any goal.Black Stars Starting XI: Ati-Zigi (GK), Alidu Seidu, Mohammed Salisu, Alexander Djiku, Elisha Owusu, Ibrahim Sulemana, Jordan Ayew, Ernest Numah, Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus.Source: Ghana News Agency