The Black Stars of Ghana suffered a stunning 1-0 defeat to Angola in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, ending a 24-year unbeaten home record at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

 A last-minute goal from substitute Milson in stoppage time dashed Ghana’s hopes and left the home crowd in disbelief on Thursday, 5 September 2024.

The match was an intense battle, with both teams struggling to find a breakthrough in the first half. Ghana's first meaningful attempt came in the 33rd minute when Mohammed Kudus tested the Angolan goalkeeper after receiving a pass from Antoine Semenyo.

However, the Black Stars could not penetrate the solid defense of the Palancras Negras. Otto Addo's side returned stronger in the second half, with Kudus launching a shot that narrowly missed the target.

In the 56th minute, Semenyo nearly put Ghana ahead, but his well-struck effort was superbly saved by the Angolan goalkeeper, maintaining the deadlock.

The Ghanaian goalkeeper, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, was called into action in the 65th minute, making a crucial save to tip Mabululu’s shot over the bar.

He once again denied Angola in the 78th minute, stopping Milson from opening the scoring. As the game seemed to be heading for a draw, the Black Stars pushed forward with Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Joseph Paintsil coming close, but neither could find the back of the net.

In the 95th minute, Milson seized on a defensive error in the Ghanaian box and tapped the ball into the net, delivering a devastating blow to the Black Stars and sealing victory for Angola.

The defeat is the first time in recent memory that Ghana has lost an opening game in AFCON qualifiers.

With their unbeaten streak in Kumasi now broken, Ghana must regroup quickly as they prepare for their next qualifier against Niger on Monday, 9 September 2024.

 The team will be looking to bounce back and keep their hopes of AFCON qualification alive.