Former Vice-President of the Ghana Football Association, George Afriyie, has attributed Ghana’s defeat to Sudan to “lack of proper planning” by the current administration, citing that the players were “uncomfortable” playing on the Benina Martyrs AstroTurf in Libya.

In the crucial match, the Black Stars were stunned by Sudan, who secured a 2-0 victory, putting them within reach of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Sudan now sit second in Group F with seven points, needing only a draw to secure their spot at next year’s tournament, while Ghana, sitting third with two points, risk missing the AFCON for the first time in two decades.

"Lack of proper planning caused the defeat in the game against Sudan,” Afriyie said in an exclusive interview with JoySports.

“Immediately the game ended here in Ghana, we should have travelled to Benghazi and then do our recovery on an Astro-turf field on Friday, the whole of Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

"The two goals that we conceded were as a result of our defenders trying to fall because they are not comfortable on the Astro-turf.”

Defenders Alidu Seidu and Mohammed Salisu were both culpable for losing possession, which led to goals by Ahmed Hamed Mahmoud and Mohamed Abdelrahman early in the second half for the defeat.

Ghana must now win their final two qualifiers against Angola and Niger in November, while hoping Sudan falters in their remaining games, to stand a chance of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.