In a stunning turn of events, the Black Stars suffered a rare and heartbreaking defeat at their famed fortress, the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
This loss came at the hands of Angola during a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Thursday night, ending an extraordinary 24-year unbeaten run at the iconic venue.
A dramatic 93rd-minute goal sealed the victory for Angola, handing Otto Addo’s side a 1-0 defeat in front of their home fans, who were left in shock. The match seemed destined for a goalless draw until the visitors struck late, leaving Ghana with a bitter taste of defeat on their home turf — a place that has long been synonymous with success for the Black Stars.
The Baba Yara Stadium has been a stronghold for Ghanaian football, a venue where countless teams have come and failed to topple the Black Stars.
The last time Ghana tasted defeat at this venue was during the 2000 AFCON, when they were knocked out of the tournament by South Africa in the quarter-finals.
Since that fateful match 24 years ago, the Black Stars have turned the stadium into an impregnable fortress, using its passionate and loyal supporters to fuel their success.
From World Cup qualification heroics to unforgettable AFCON matches, the stadium has become a symbol of national pride.
Ghana’s defeat to Angola now not only halts their unbeaten streak but also raises questions about the team’s form under coach Otto Addo, as they look ahead to their next matches in the AFCON qualification campaign. Addo will face increasing pressure to bounce back and reignite Ghana’s pursuit of qualification for the continental tournament.
With Ghana’s formidable home record now shattered, the Black Stars will need to regroup, repair their confidence, and ensure that this rare slip-up does not derail their larger ambitions on the road to AFCON 2025.
