Two second-half goals by Sudan were enough to get them all three points in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana on Tuesday, October 15.
The game at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi, Libya was a must-win for Ghana, who were yet to win in the qualifiers for Morocco 2025.
After several missed chances, the Black Stars were found on top in the first half. They had won possession and were only a goal away from separating themselves from the Sudanese.
However, a double substitution by Coach Otto Addo, throwing in Jordan Ayew for Ernest Nuamah and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku for Antoine Semenyo, did not work as the Sudanese scored a few minutes later.
Pressure on defender Alidu Seidu resulted in miscommunication with goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who delayed in coming from his post.
Gideon Mensah emerged from the left side of defence to save the situation but it was too little too late as Ahmed Mahmoud smashed in an idle ball for the opener.
Three minutes later, a similar scenario emerged, this time between Mohamed Abdelrahman and Mohammed Salisu, who failed to deal with the attacker, allowing him to slot the ball past Ati-Zigi.
All efforts to get even a consolation proved futile.
Ghana continue to remain third in the group – Group F – while Sudan cemented their second place.
Angola later beat Niger 1-0 away to seal qualification with two games to spare.
The qualifiers will wrap up in November with Ghana set to host Niger and travel to Angola to play the Palancas Negras.
