Ghana’s Black Stars have failed to qualify for the AFCON for the first time since 2004 after a 1-1 draw against Angola in Luanda.

Otto Addo made changes to the starting lineup to the team that played Ghana’s last game against Sudan with Nations FC defender Razak Simpson and Michael Baidoo being handed their first starts for the Black Stars.

Abdul Manaf Nurudeen was also trusted in goal ahead of Lawrence Ati-Zigi.

Jordan Ayew opened the scoring for the Black Stars with a stunning free kick from 35 yards out after Mohammed Kudus was fouled.

The Leicester City man stood behind the ball with Kudus before opting to take ahead of the West Ham United forward and beating the goalkeeper after 19 minutes.

Minutes later, Ghana was found wanting after the referee awarded a penalty for a foul by Gideon Mensah in the penalty box.

However, Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, who was making his competitive debut for the national team turned up big to deny M’Bala Nzola from the penalty spot.

Baidoo saw an effort in the 44th minute blocked by the Angolan defence as Ghana headed into the break with an advantage.

Ebenezer Annan replaced Abdul Fatawu Issahaku at the start of the second half before Baidoo also went off with Ransford Yeboah taking his place.

Having defended the wide areas well in the first half, Angola took advantage of the Black Stars defence going off for a moment to grab the equaliser.

Zini, who had come on in the second half, was left unmarked in the box and connected with Milson’s cross to beat Manaf in Ghana’s goal to make it 1-1.

Kudus had an effort in the 71st minute to go wide of the post as the Black Stars continued to search for their second of the game.

The Black Stars had a great chance minutes later when Jordan Ayew played in Ransford Yeboah, but his close-range effort was saved.

Ghana needed Manaf Nurudeen again in the dying minutes when he pulled off a superb save to deny Angola what looked like the certain winner.

Ghana face Niger on Monday in their final game in Accra.