Ghana has made a bold decision ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, dropping Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey from the squad set to face Angola and Niger. These matches are pivotal for Ghana’s survival in the competition, with the country risking its first failure to qualify since 2004.
Coach Otto Addo, under intense pressure after a series of disappointing results, declined to specify the reasons behind the exclusion of the 31-year-old Partey, who boasts an impressive record of 13 goals in 49 international appearances. “My reasons are confidential,” Addo stated, hinting at the possibility of Partey’s return for the March World Cup qualifiers.
In a surprising move, Addo also decided to replace West Ham’s Mohamed Kudus with Leicester City’s Jordan Ayew as captain. Kudus had recently led the Black Stars in challenging fixtures against Sudan, securing only a single point from two matches. This poor performance has left Ghana third in Group F with just two points from four games.
To keep their qualification hopes alive, the Black Stars must win their upcoming matches against group leaders Angola and Niger. Meanwhile, Sudan needs only a draw from their fixtures against Niger and Angola to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco, despite being forced to play home games outside the country due to ongoing civil conflict.
Benin vs Nigeria
Nigeria, spearheaded by star striker Victor Osimhen, aims to secure its place in the AFCON with just a single point needed from the Group D fixtures against Benin and Rwanda. Caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen has an array of attacking talent, including Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface. However, the Super Eagles will remain cautious, given their previous loss to a Benin team managed by former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr during a World Cup qualifier.
Botswana vs Mauritania
Botswana’s hopes of making it to the finals appeared bleak after back-to-back defeats, including a 4-0 loss to Egypt. However, surprising victory against Cape Verde have propelled the Zebras to second place in Group C. Now under interim coach Morena Ramoreboli, they face Mauritania, with a win securing their ticket to the AFCON finals.
Gambia vs Comoros
Comoros achieved a stunning victory against Tunisia last month, halting the Carthage Eagles’ 16-game unbeaten run in AFCON qualifiers. Led by Italian coach Stefano Cusin, the team comprises mainly lower-league French players. If they overcome Gambia in their next match, set to be played in Berkane, Morocco, due to stadium standards issues in Gambia, they will secure their qualification from Group A.
Uganda vs South Africa
Belgian coaches Paul Put and Hugo Broos will go head-to-head as Uganda and South Africa clash in a pivotal Group K match. Both teams are on the verge of qualifying, provided Congo Brazzaville fails to win against South Sudan. Uganda’s Denis Omedi has shown promise, while South Africa’s squad will miss key players, including Burnley’s Lyle Foster and Al Ahly’s Percy Tau.
Zimbabwe vs Kenya
In a dramatic encounter, Zimbabwe and Kenya will battle it out in a Group J qualifier. Both countries were previously barred from AFCON due to government interference, making this match a significant comeback opportunity. Coached by German Michael Nees, Zimbabwe needs only a point to qualify, despite being forced to play in Polokwane, South Africa, due to stadium inadequacies. On the other hand, Kenya must secure a victory to keep their hopes alive, in terms of joining already-qualified Cameroon.
