The Black Stars, Ghana’s national football team, faces intense criticism following their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Angola in the ongoing Total Energies African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers. The game, hosted at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, was a significant blow to Ghana’s hopes in a competitive group that includes Angola, Sudan, and Niger.
The Black Stars’ loss came after Sudan secured a win against Niger in their opening match, placing Ghana third in the group standings with zero points, alongside Niger. The match against Angola was anticipated to be an opportunity for redemption. With passionate supporters filling the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, there was optimism that the Black Stars would capitalize on their home advantage. The team dominated possession and created several goal-scoring opportunities, but they failed to convert their chances. As the match wore on, the tension grew, with fans eagerly hoping for a decisive goal.
However, in a dramatic twist during stoppage time, Angola scored on a rebound, crushing the hopes of many Ghanaian supporters. The game ended 1-0 in favor of Angola, marking a rare defeat for the Black Stars at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, a venue where they had not lost a match since 2001. The defeat sparked widespread disappointment among fans, who were frustrated by both the team’s performance and the poor condition of the pitch.
The poor state of the pitch at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium is a focal point of the post-match discussion. Many blame the loss on the inadequate preparation of the field, which appeares uneven and unfit for a high-stakes match. However, the National Sports Authority Director countered these claims, stating that the poor field conditions did not justify the team’s poor performance, as both teams played on the same pitch. Despite the field issues, the Black Stars failed to deliver a victory, prompting further scrutiny of the team’s efforts.
The stadium has since been closed for thorough maintenance, but the damage to Ghana’s qualifying hopes remains. The Black Stars are set to face Niger on September 9, 2024, in their final game of the international break. This match is now crucial for the team to regain momentum and restore the faith of their supporters before players return to their respective clubs for domestic competitions.
The defeat to Angola has cast a shadow over the once-iconic Baba Yara Sports Stadium, where the Black Stars’ stellar record had been a source of national pride. The loss has left Ghanaians grappling with disappointment as they reflect on the team’s declining performance and hope for a quick turnaround in the next match.
