AFCON 2025 Qualifiers Preview: Spotlight on Group F

The road to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 is heating up, and Group F is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling and unpredictable groups in the qualifiers. In this spotlight preview, we'll delve into the teams, players, and storylines that make Group F a must-watch.

It is an interesting group spilling a lot of drama before even a ball is kicked, and Ghana has been at the epicentre of these controversies.

Angola's activated rematch against the Black Stars has garnered widespread media attention across Africa. Meanwhile, Kwesi Appiah's dual role as Sudan's head coach and Ghana Football Association Executive Committee Member continues to spark debate.

Ghana faces pressure to maintain their impressive form from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, while underdog Niger aims to pull off an upset.

Sudan

Sudan faces a daunting task en route to AFCON 2025 in Morocco, but their journey is inextricably linked to the country's political turmoil since April last year. The domestic football scene has ground to a halt, and survival is the primary concern for many.

As Sudan navigates the treacherous path to AFCON 2025, their unwavering attitude serves as a testament to the power of football to unite and inspire, even in the darkest of times.

A Football Nation in Uncertainty

The prolonged hiatus of the Sudanese League has cast a shadow of uncertainty, forcing Al-Hilal FC, the country's flagship team and main national team players' supply to explore alternative options as they press on with their CAF Champions League campaign.

The plight of the domestic league's delayed resumption has left the team with no choice but to look elsewhere, adding an extra layer of complexity to their already daunting continental quest.

"It's truly a challenging time for Sudan, and it's inspiring to see how the nation is persevering. The concerns about livelihoods and family safety are understandable, but it's heartwarming to see the Falcons striving to bring joy and hope through their matches.

“Football has the power to unite and uplift, and I'm sure the team recognizes its impact. I hope for a swift resolution to these difficulties and a brighter future for the Sudanese people and their football,” Sudanese football expert Alfred Lofar told SportsBoom.com from Juba.

For Coach Kwesi Appiah, he believes the Sudanese League will return next year if the war stops.

Image Credits: MB Media/Getty Images

"I'm confident that the Sudanese league will resume next year, provided the conflict comes to an end" he mentioned.

Although their 2021 AFCON campaign ended with a third-place group finish behind eventual finalist Egypt and Nigeria under Coach Burhan Tia, the experience will fuel their determination.

More painful was missing out on the hyped 2023 AFCON in Côte d'Ivoire, it was another shot in the foot for Sudanese football requiring a change of strategy with everyone around the team ushering in the era of highly skilled Coach Kwesi Appiah which so far is paying dividends. 

Renaissance in Adversity

On a quick turn, hope abounds for the troubled nation optioning for positive spectacle. Amidst the chaos, Sudan's resilience is admirable. Instead of succumbing to adversity, Coach Kwesi Appiah's players seem to have tapped into a newfound sense of determination and dedication. The challenges have sparked an unyielding spirit, fuelling their quest for success.

Sudan's commitment to domestic talent remains unwavering. The Sudanese Football Association's proactive approach has led to an overseas training camp in Saudi Arabia, ensuring continuity.

The opening of permanent camp deserves praise for maintaining the team's core, fostering strong player relationships, and allowing coaches to address weaknesses which have translated to tremendous ball playing abilities.

Also, Sudan's impressive 2026 World Cup Qualifiers performance under Coach Kwesi Appiah – three wins, one draw, seven goals scored, and only one conceded – bodes well for their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign.

With self-motivation driving them, the Falcons of Jediane can bring joy to their bereaved population. Their attacking prowess will pose threats to Group F opponents Ghana, Angola, and Niger.

Coaching Conundrum

Sudan remains calm despite Coach Kwesi Appiah's conflicting roles as Executive Council Member for his home country, Ghana, and head coach of Sudan's national team.

However, Sudanese top officials' reluctance to comment on the issue is puzzling. His professionalism and dedication to work is enviable. On the field, his players performance has been impeccable, with consistent results and a strong team mentality.

The 1982 Afcon winner has been successful in instilling a possessive and result-oriented mindset in his players during the World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The 64-year-old's public statements demonstrate his commitment to the team's success and determination to qualify for the 2025 Afcon in Morocco.

Nevertheless, back in Ghana, many football enthusiasts believe Appiah should have resigned from his GFA position upon taking the Sudan job. Rumours suggest Appiah was excused from a GFA meeting to discuss strategies for Ghana's Afcon qualifiers, which has raised questions about his allegiance.

Image Credits: DANIEL BELOUMOU OLOMO/AFP via Getty Images

Key Men to Watch

Sudan's attacking lineup is difficult to pinpoint, but it's notable that the Falcons of Jediane have shared the goalscoring burden, with 6 different players scoring in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers. This suggests a strong team ethos and effective teamwork.

However, two players stand out as key threats: Mohamed Abdelrahman from Kotoko, with 14 goals in 34 appearances, and Seif Teiri, with 10 goals in 32 outings for Falcons. 

Niger

Recent football upsets serve as a cautionary tale for Ghana, Angola, and Sudan, who dare not underestimate the Menas of Niger.

Labelled as the dark horse, Niger's unpredictability makes it a risky bet to predict their downfall. Any team that takes them lightly does so at their own peril. While Niger's chances may seem slim, it's unwise to stick one's neck out against the West African underdogs, who might just spring a surprise.

Unlucky Niger

Nigerien players often feel unlucky, consistently drawn against Africa's powerhouse teams. 'We yearn to qualify for the African Cup of Nations, but it's a daunting task when seeded alongside favourites,' Maccabi Haifa's Mohamed shared from Israel. This narrative underscores the challenges faced by Coach Ezzaki Badou's team.

Historically, Niger struggled to qualify for AFCON, with no appearances until the 2010s. They finally broke through in 2012 and 2013, but their journeys ended in disappointing group-stage exits. As a result, fans have had to watch other nations dominate the continental stage, fuelling their desire for success.

Badou’s Psychological Gimmick

Coach Zaki Badou remains unfazed by the pressure surrounding Niger's Menas team, impressively handling criticism from foreign media and pundits. Confidently, he refutes the notion that Group F is insurmountable, instead, embracing the challenge.

Under Badou's astute leadership, the team can find solace in his optimism. Moreover, Niger can draw inspiration from their remarkable AFCON qualifying success 12 years ago, when they stunned Egypt and South Africa to secure a spot in the Equatorial Guinea and Gabon tournament.

With their underdog spirit and Badou's guidance, Niger might just defy expectations and make a memorable impact in the Group .

Ismael, WAFU Zone B Communication Team member, believes they can reach the top, saying "there's no such thing as a small team" in soccer."
 

Big Man Missing

Niger will face a daunting task in their 2025 AFCON double header without star man, Ali Mohamed, Maccabi Haifa's 28-year-old midfield linchpin.

However, the presence of Youssouf Oumarou, Stade Tunisien's skilled midfielder, will help mitigate the loss. As a midfield stalwart, Coach Badou relies heavily on Oumarou's exceptional skills to anchor Niger's midfield.

His impressive strength, agility, and tactical prowess make him a formidable opponent. Up front, Niger will rely on Daniel Sosah, Kryvbas' sharpshooter, as their main target man. Despite his goalless drought after 200+ minutes this season, Sosah remains a key player to watch.

Image Credits: Issouf SANOGO / AFP

Angola

Ironically, it's a mistake to think Group F is a cakewalk with Angola's presence.

The Palancas Negras' current form is formidable, with a glance at their last 20 matches revealing only two losses, one to Nigeria in the 2023 African Cup of Nations and the other to Morocco in a friendly exchange in March. This should send alarm bells ringing in the opponents' camp. Coach Pedro Goncalves' team is not to be belittled.

Angola Needs an Early Punch

Angola's national team, Palancas Negras, can still bask in the glory of their 2023 Afcon quarter-final appearance, their first in 14 years.

However, relying too heavily on those memories could be detrimental, given the challenging circumstances they faced to qualify. Their spot in the final tournament was secured by a combination of their goalless draw with Madagascar and Ghana's win over the Central African Republic.

But they can't afford to rely on late drama again, especially with tougher opponents in Ghana, Sudan and Niger.

With the benefit of hindsight, Angolans can now breathe a sigh of relief and appreciate the progress made by the team. The consistency of the squad and their new possession-based style of play, developed over the last 5 years under the coach's guidance, have paid off.

The timely emergence of Gelson Dala and Mabululu's goal-scoring form has been a significant boost, with their 10 goals in the last 7 matches just ended AFCON and the last two 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Eswatini and Cameroon being a crucial factor in their success.

Additionally, Coach Gonçalves' ability to adapt and tweak his line-up has become a strength, making it difficult for opponents to prepare against them. This flexibility has become a key asset for the team, and a source of confidence for the fans in Luanda.

African football journalist Collins Okinyo believes that Angola's national team, the Palancas Negras, has come of age and is now capable of facing any challenge.

Following their impressive showing at the last CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Angola has elevated its pedigree on the continent and outgrown the "Underdogs" title it carried for many years.

Okinyo asserts that Coach Pedro Gonçalves is building a formidable team, and the patience with him is beginning to yield results.

Angola Faces a Choice

Focus on avenging past defeats against Ghana or prioritize early qualification from the group. If Coach Pedro Gonçalves aims for the former, this might be the perfect opportunity for the COSAFA team to strike back at their rivals, the Black Stars of Ghana who has been a torn in their flesh since 2009. 4 of their fixtures have ended in 2 victories for the Black Stars and 2 resulting in stale mates.

The bookmarkers are already anticipating this 2023 Afcon qualifiers rematch.

However, Gonçalves' recent appeal to CAF to closely monitor their 2025 Afcon qualifiers match against Ghana has sparked dissatisfaction. The 48-year-old Portuguese coach is well aware of the high stakes, as these encounters will determine Angola's presence in Morocco.

In light of this, the advice to Angola would be to avoid letting emotions dictate their approach when facing group favourites Ghana. Instead, they should focus on a level-headed strategy to achieve their goals.

The Two Men to Stop

Honestly, there may be one or two other notable players, but based on recent forms for the country, Gelson Dala and Mabululu stand out. Their impressive performances in the final third for Angola deserve recognition. Notably, they are not just benchwarmers at their club sides, but key players.

If any team can disrupt Angola's momentum, it will be by neutralizing the threats posed by Gelson Dala, the talismanic forward from Al Wakra, and Mabululu, the clinical striker from Al Ahly Tripoli. These two players are crucial to Angola's attack and stopping them will be key to spoiling the Palancas Negras' party.

Ghana

The Black Stars is an enigma. Despite boasting world class players in Europe's top leagues, they've faced a string of debacles since the 2015 Afcon final. Yet, their reputation as one of Africa's football powerhouses remains untarnished.

Ghana's talent pipeline has never run dry, making it unthinkable to predict doom for Coach Otto Addo's men. At worst, a round of 16 exit is expected, as the knockout phase was almost a birthright years ago.

However, in recent years, even qualifications have been approached with caution, emboldening opponents like Sudan, Angola, and Niger to dream of upsetting the Black Stars. Enough of the tales, assuming all things equal (ceteris paribus), Ghana is heavily favoured to scale Group F. Underestimate or mock them at your own risk.

Measured Expectations

It's understandable for fans to have high expectations from a team like the Black Stars, whose presence at any World Cup sends fans into a frenzy, eager to catch a glimpse of their stars, even in their lowest moments.

However, the sad truth is that the team's lacklustre performances can't be attributed to a lack of individual quality players. A glance at the team sheet confirms this. While it's easy to blame an unknown entity, it's crucial to remember that star names don't guarantee results - collective team effort does.

This has been the mantra of the former Borussia Dortmund talent coach, now the Black Stars' head coach, who has consistently emphasized the importance of teamwork. 'For me, Ghana is known for good football, and I promise you'll see good football,' he remarked during his unveiling and reiterated recently before naming the squad for the 2026 World Cup double header. 'It's difficult to promise victories, as in football, you can outplay your opponent and still lose.

A Team in Transition

The current Black Stars squad is a clear indication that the team is in rebuilding mode. As such, expectations should be tempered as the coaching staff works towards qualifying for the 2025 Afcon in Morocco. The good news is that under Otto Addo, the team is rediscovering its goal-scoring and possessive style of play, scoring 9 goals in 4 matches while conceding 8.

Although defensive lapses persist, this is an improvement from the previous regime. However, it must be stated explicitly, Ghana needs to find an immediate antidote to defensive lapses before facing their group opponents.

More subtly, the team's resilience and never-say-die attitude in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers matches against Mali and the Central African Republic are reminiscent of the good old days.

A testament that Coach Addo requires patience to implement his vision on this young team. However, his long-term project has already seen casualties, including Andre Ayew and Daniel Amartey. Addo's diplomatic approach to their exit is commendable, while maintaining his standpoint of leaving the door open for their return, is noteworthy.

He exclaimed "Let me reiterate, our doors remain open to Andre Ayew, Daniel Amartey, and other experienced players. When I deem their expertise necessary, they will undoubtedly be summoned to join the team." Despite this, his emphasis on experience still abounds within the Black Stars camp without main man Andre Ayew suggests a return for the veteran may be unlikely. .

Furthermore, his commitment to building a long-term project is clear: 'I'm committed to building a long-term project with the Black Stars of Ghana. Hence, players who can help achieve that.' This suggests a focus on youth and development, potentially closing the door for some of the experience faces.

Perhaps the end of Andre Ayew's 16-year, 3-month legacy with the Black Stars resonates profoundly with my instincts, even as he remains coy about his international retirement.

A Fortress of Fear for Visiting Teams

Jokingly, even Messi's Argentina might be concerned about the frenzied atmosphere at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium if they were to face the Black Stars in an international friendly.

Football matches at this 40,528-seat venue are treated like festivals, resulting in packed crowds, deafening noise, and an intimidating environment. Notably, the Black Stars have an impressive record in Kumasi, with few losses in over a decade. Several teams, including Egypt, Angola, and Nigeria, have struggled here. For young players, the experience can be daunting.

Palancas Negras coach Gonçalves is aware of this, having experienced it firsthand, and has called for CAF monitoring without specifying reasons. However, the Baba Yara Sports Stadium is a lovely venue with passionate Ghanaian fans who demand results from their national teams through their energetic support.

The Falcons of Jediane they can heave a sigh of relief, bolstered by the presence of Coach Kwesi Appiah in their dugout. Appiah's legendary status, earned through his playing days with Asante Kotoko and his experience managing the Black Stars on several occasions, makes him a valuable asset. His familiarity with the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, where he has managed the Black Stars before, will undoubtedly benefit the Falcons.

While Niger may be new to the Kumasi atmosphere, their mental toughness should see them through. By digging deep and drawing on their collective resolve, they can overcome the daunting task ahead and make their mark on the pitch.