Ghana is in a tricky situation in an attempt to secure a place at next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The Black Stars, at the moment, sit outside the qualification places as far as the qualifiers are concerned.

Otto Addo’s side are looking to get their campaign back on track but face a pretty decent side in Sudan in a doubleheader.

The four-time African champions lost their first game of the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers against Angola in Kumasi before being held to a 1–1 draw by Niger.

Those two performances were worsened by a ban on the Baba Yara Stadium leading to the close of three major stadiums for maintenance works.

After rigorous enhancements to the Accra Sports Stadium, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) granted temporary approval of the venue to host the first meeting of the Black Stars’ game against the Falcons of Jediane on Thursday, October 10.

Up against a familiar face

In Sudan, Ghana face a familiar face and one that is pretty odd — James Kwasi Appiah.

Appiah will be known for all the work he did for the Black Stars; either during his playing days or while being a part of the technical team.

In fact, until recently, he was also a part of the administrative unit of the Ghana Football Association as an Executive Council member.

The former Ghana boss made the decision to join Sudan exactly a year ago, tasked with helping to build a new competitive squad that is capable of challenging.

He understood the assignment and had barely put a foot wrong — six competitive games, four wins, one draw and just one defeat (coming against Angola last month).

Even while in charge of another country, Appiah continues to think about Ghana.

"I hope both Ghana and Sudan qualify for the 2025 AFCON," he told Asempa FM. "We just have to pray and hope that we all achieve our goal."

Form of both teams

As things stand, Ghana’s record stands at two wins in nine games in 2024. Those wins came during the opening games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Black Stars have suffered four defeats in that period while picking up three draws. Out of the nine games played this year, Addo has been in charge for six of them (2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats).

Sudan, on the other hand, have three wins from four games this year with the only defeat being against Angola — that is also the only loss Appiah has suffered since his appointment.

What has been said

Both teams held their final training sessions on Wednesday, October 9. Before the final preparations, however, was the mandatory press conference in the buildup to the game.

Ghana’s gaffer, while even under pressure, says there is no guarantee his side will win but believes that is highly possible if they can find their voices again.

"I think there is no assurance for anything…but there is a high probability that we will win."

"It comes with preparations, with consciousness…for me, even when I was playing to get is always on the other side of fear. I fear God but that is it, for me I am fearless.

"If our players will have that attitude and show passion and they will be fearless, I am sure that the probability is very high that we will win."

Black Stars begin their final training session with stretches on the sidelines. #JoySports pic.twitter.com/6h2JT94rLa

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) October 9, 2024

On the part of the Sudanese, Appiah avoided the press but another Ghanaian was on that seat — his assistant— Ignatius Osei Fosu

“Kwasi Appiah has nothing to prove. His coaching credentials are there for all to see. For me, nobody even knows I’m the assistant coach of Sudan.

“We just want to qualify and that’s the aim. It’s just unfortunate we have to face Ghana. I wish this match didn’t happen,” he said.

The game at the Accra Sports Stadium is scheduled for a 4pm kickoff with Ghanaians in high spirits that the Black Stars will glow again.

The Black Stars will face off against Sudan tonight at the Accra Sports Stadium, aiming to reignite their AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign. @Dani77k attended the high-stakes pre-match pressers and put together this preview.#JoySports pic.twitter.com/lWjegHR9zf

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) October 10, 2024