Sudan will host Ghana at Al-Merreikh Stadium on Tuesday afternoon in a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match, looking to extend their lead over the Black Stars.
The Falcons of Jediane currently sit second in Group F with four points, two ahead of Ghana, who are in third place with two points.
Match Preview
Sudan head coach James Kwesi Appiah will seek to capitalize on the momentum gained from their recent goalless draw against Ghana last Thursday. Despite facing numerous goal attempts, Sudan’s defense held firm, securing a vital point after a disappointing loss to Angola in their previous match. This result was crucial in keeping them in contention for a top-two finish and a place at the AFCON.
Historically, Sudan has a mixed record against Ghana on home soil, with two wins and three losses in their last five meetings. The most recent encounter ended in a 1-0 victory for Sudan during the AFCON qualifying campaign in 2020. Currently, Sudan remains unbeaten in their last three home qualifying matches, which include a draw against Togo and victories against the Congo DR and Niger.
Ghana, on the other hand, is grappling with missed opportunities, having had 20 goal attempts in the first leg yet failing to convert any into goals. The Black Stars have not missed an AFCON since 2004, but their current standing puts this streak at risk. Under the reappointment of head coach Otto Addo, who replaced Chris Hughton after a lackluster AFCON showing in Ivory Coast, the team seeks to find form quickly. Addo’s previous tenure saw him remain unbeaten on the road, achieving a 2-1 win against Mali and a 1-1 draw with Niger.
With a former Black Stars coach leading the Sudanese side, Ghana will need to implement a strategic game plan to secure a vital away win, especially considering their scoring struggles in the qualifiers thus far.
Team News
For Ghana, forward Inaki Williams may earn a starting spot after making an impact from the bench in the first leg, where he recorded more shots than Jordan Ayew despite only playing for the final 21 minutes. Mohammed Kudus, having missed key chances in the previous match, will aim for greater precision as he continues in a playmaking role behind the striker.
Sudan’s goalkeeper Mohamed Mustafa had a standout performance in the first leg, making seven crucial saves. He will look to replicate this form as he guards the goal again. Striker Mohamed Abdelrahman, yet to find the net in the qualifiers, will be eager to contribute offensively.
Sudan’s Possible Starting Lineup:
- Mustafa; Agab, Koko, Karshoum, Yousif; Khidir, Al-Rasheed, Saeed; Eisa, Abdelrahman, Thierry
Ghana’s Possible Starting Lineup:
- Ati-Zigi; Seidu, Salisu, Djiku, Mensah; Owusu, Sulemana; Nuamah, Kudus, Semenyo; Inaki
Prediction
We predict a tight match, with Ghana edging Sudan 1-0.
In the first leg, Sudan’s resilience, combined with Ghana’s wastefulness, kept the game level. However, with the stakes high and a renewed focus, the Black Stars are expected to break through and secure a much-needed victory in this crucial qualifier.
