Angola coach Pedro Goncalves has effectively ruled Ghana out of contention for a place at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, ahead of Friday's qualifier.

The two sides will meet in Luanda in a match day five encounter.
Speaking ahead of the contest, Goncalves said “For us, playing against Ghana is always special,”

“Ghana is one of the best teams in African football, with exceptional players, particularly in midfield and attack” he stated in a conversation with Ghanasportspage.

Despite his admiration for the Black Stars, Goncalves said Ghana's situation is dire.

“While Ghana is undoubtedly a strong contender, their chances of qualifying are low to impossible at the moment,” he remarked.

With a perfect record of four wins from four matches, Friday's hosts Angola have already secured qualification for the tournament.

Ghana, however, is winless in four matches, amassing just two points in Group F.

To qualify, the four-time African champions need to win their remaining matches against Angola and Niger and hope that Sudan lose both matches (against Niger on Friday, and Angola on November 18).