Ghana’s invincibility at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, which had spanned over two decades, ended on Thursday, September 5, 2024, after Angola defeated the Black Stars 1-0.
Felício Milson’s late goal ensured that the Black Stars suffered their first defeat at the Baba Yara Stadium in 24 years.
In the late minutes of the game, Milson pounced on a poor clearance from Abdul Mumin to give the Angolans a dream start to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Ghana dominated both halves of the game, creating decent openings but failing to capitalise on their chances.
Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Fatawu Issahaku, and Antoine Semenyo all had opportunities to score for Ghana but could not convert.
Angola stole the win during the additional time after substitute Depu went past his marker before sending in a low cross, which fell to Milson to tap in following a poor clearance by Abdul Mumin.
Player ratings
Lawrence Ati-Zigi -5
With Ghana enjoying the lion’s share of possession, Ati-Zigi did not have a lot to do but stayed alert and made a couple of good saves.
Could have done better with the cross that led to the goal as it was in the six-yard box.
Tariq Lamptey – 6
Lamptey’s marauding runs down the right flank gave Ghana some good options to stretch the Angolan backline.
Even though the forward players did not make the most of his pace, he kept going and put in some good cross. Defensively, he was solid.
Alidu Seidu – 6
The versatility of the full-back came in handy once again as he was deployed on the left side of the defence. Seidu did quite well, especially in the defence.
Abdul Mumin – 4
Until the poor clearance that led to the goal, Mumin, like most of Ghana’s players had been decent but he cannot be forgiven for his poor clearance which led to the goal. The role of the pitch in the miscue can also not be overlooked.
Mohammed Salisu – 5
Mohammed Salisu was steady in defence and delivered a few long balls into the Angolan area but he was largely untroubled by the Angolan attack.
Elisha Owusu – 5
Deployed alongside skipper Thomas Partey, the Auxerre midfielder made some tidy passes and kept the possession well but there was not much to be excited about.
Thomas Partey – 6
The skipper had a decent game and made efforts to move the ball quickly but the lack of understanding between him and the forward line was obvious. Overall, it was a decent outing for Partey.
Antoine Semenyo – 6
Semenyo who was deployed on the flanks was at his industrious best, linking up and working tirelessly in his search for a goal but was not fortunate. He had a couple of decent chances but his shots were saved by the Angolan goalie.
Kudus Mohammed – 6
Kudus did his best to serve as the link between the midfield and attack and usually dropped deep to drag the ball forward for Ghana but he could not work the magic. Again, he could be accused of holding onto the ball longer than necessary.
Fatawu Issahaku – 4
Issahaku’s decision-making making, which has seen much improvement at Leicester City, was lacking in this game. Most of his flicks and showboating skills did not come off and he lost possession a few times.
Jordan Ayew – 5
The Leicester man was quite busy, dropping deep and changing positions with his teammates in a bid to create openings for Ghana but it just was not his day.
Watch videos from the match below
Source: Ghanaweb