AFCON 2025 qualifiers: Ghana miss out, Zimbabwe, Zambia secure spots

Angola 1-1 Ghana

Ghana's hopes of reaching the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations were dashed after a 1-1 draw with Group F leaders Angola in Luanda on Friday.

Despite Jordan Ayew's early strike in the 18th minute, Angola equalised in the 63rd minute, securing their qualification for the tournament.

With one round of qualification matches remaining, Ghana sit fourth in the group with just three points from five games, a stark contrast to their illustrious AFCON history as four-time champions.

Under current manager Otto Addo, the Black Stars have struggled, scoring only twice across the campaign.

Ghana's results in Group F have been underwhelming: a home loss to Angola, two draws with Niger and Sudan, and a 2-0 defeat in Sudan. Sudan, currently second in the group, are three points clear of Niger and on track for qualification.

Gabon 1-5 Morocco

Morocco secured a thrilling victory over Gabon in their African Cup of Nations qualifier at Stade de Franceville, defeating the hosts 3-1. Madrid striker Brahim stole the spotlight with a stellar performance, scoring a decisive brace in the first half.

Gabon initially took the lead through Bouanga, whose strike energised the home crowd. However, Morocco's resilience shone through when Harkass equalised in the 17th minute. Just minutes later, Brahim turned the match around.

The first of Brahim's goals came in the 20th minute, a skilful finish from a rebound following a corner. He doubled his tally in the 23rd minute, capitalising on a well-flicked corner to outmanoeuvre the Gabonese defence.

Zambia 1-0 Ivory Coast

Kennedy Musonda scored the only goal as Zambia surprised Ivory Coast with a 1-0 victory to move up to the top of Group G, while the Elephants were already qualified prior to kick-off.

Gambia 1-2 Comoros

Comoros secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over The Gambia in a thrilling Group A encounter, played in The Gambia. The win ensured Comoros' qualification for the finals, marking their return after missing the 2023 edition.

The Gambia took an early lead when Alassana Jatta scored in the 18th minute, energising the home crowd. However, Comoros quickly responded, with Rafiki Said equalising shortly after.

The match seemed destined for a draw until Myziane Maolida netted a sensational winner in the 90th minute, sealing the crucial three points.

This result eliminated The Gambia from Group A contention, while Comoros advanced alongside Tunisia. It is another milestone for Comoros, who reached the last 16 on their debut at the 2021 finals.

Cape Verde 1-1 Egypt

Cape Verde were eliminated from qualification despite securing a 1-1 draw at home against Egypt on Saturday.

Egypt, already assured of their place in the tournament, fielded a rotated squad, resting key players such as Mohamed Salah and in-form forward Omar Marmoush.

The spotlight now shifts to Botswana and Mauritania in the race for qualification. Botswana need at least a point from their crucial away match against Egypt on Tuesday to secure their spot.

Meanwhile, Mauritania can claim the second place in the group if they defeat Cape Verde at home and Botswana lose to Egypt in Cairo.

Other results:

Eswatini 1-1 Guinea Bissau

Mozambique 0-1 Mali

Zimbabwe 1-1 Kenya

Botswana 1-1 Mauritania

AFCON 2025 qualified teams:

Morocco (hosts), Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Comoros, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe 

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