Rescheduled AFCON Qualifiers: Ghana’s Black Stars Face Must-Win Matches Against Sudan

Sudan is trending in Ghana as the country’s national football team prepares to face Ghana's Black Stars in a critical AFCON 2025 Qualifiers double-header. Recently, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rescheduled the matches, which will now take place on Thursday, October 10, and Tuesday, October 15, 2024, instead of the original dates. The first leg will be hosted by Ghana at the Accra Sports Stadium on October 10, while the return leg is set for October 15 in Benina, Libya.

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These matches have become even more significant as Ghana finds itself in a precarious position in qualifying Group F, sitting third with just one point from two matches. Winning both encounters against Sudan is crucial for the Black Stars to enhance their chances of qualifying for the tournament, which will be held in Morocco in 2025. With a long history of success in African football, the Ghanaian team, led by head coach Otto Ado, will be keen to secure these vital points and demonstrate that they are still a force to be reckoned with on the continent.

Ado has named a 25-man squad for the Sudan matches, comprising a mix of experienced players and young talents. Key figures like Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, and Inaki Williams will be crucial for Ghana in both attack and defense. The team has shown resilience in past qualifiers, but their current standing in the group leaves no room for error. Securing victories in both legs will not only keep Ghana's qualification hopes alive but will also restore confidence in the team's ability to compete at the highest level.

Sudan, however, will not make things easy. Despite being seen as the underdogs, their team has shown steady improvement in recent years and will be looking to upset Ghana’s plans. Sudan’s defensive organization and counter-attacking capabilities may pose a challenge to the Black Stars, especially in the second leg on neutral ground in Libya. Ghana’s home advantage in the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium will be vital, as the passionate local crowd is expected to provide immense support for the team. The Accra Sports Stadium, with a capacity of over 40,000, has been the site of many historic moments in Ghanaian football, and fans will be eager to see their team take control of the qualifier.

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For Ghana, these matches are not just about securing a place in the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco; they represent a chance to reclaim their status as one of Africa’s football powerhouses. The Black Stars have not won an AFCON title since 1982, and the pressure is mounting on the team to deliver. A strong performance in these qualifiers would boost morale and signal that Ghana is ready to contend for the continental championship once again. On the other hand, Sudan sees this as an opportunity to defy expectations and elevate their standing in African football. A positive result against the Black Stars could propel them closer to AFCON qualification and showcase their growth on the international stage.

As the October 10 match draws near, excitement is building in both nations. Ghanaian fans, in particular, are hoping for a dominant display from their team, while Sudan’s supporters are dreaming of an upset that would send shockwaves through African football. With the stakes so high, both teams will be under pressure to perform, making these matches a must-watch for football enthusiasts across the continent. Whether Ghana can capitalize on their home advantage and deliver a crucial victory or Sudan can pull off a surprise, these qualifiers promise to provide thrilling and memorable moments on the road to Morocco 2025.