AFCON 2025: Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa start the journey to Morocco sluggishly
Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa had a sluggish start on the journey to AFCON 2025 in Morocco next December. While it is fully expected that the big guns will be present at the tournament, it was not an ideal opening for the trio.
Ghana had the worst start. Baba Yaro Stadium suffered the wrath of unhappy fans after The Black Stars lost 1-0 to Angola. Matchday 2 did not get much better as Niger held the Otto Addo-led squad to a 1-1 draw. One point from two games is not what the football-mad citizens of Ghana expected when the draw was done.
Rwanda were the spoilers for Nigeria’s Super Eagles. After beating neighbours Benin, a full haul of pints was scripted against Amavubi. A 0-0 result has left Nigeria with four points, and some work to be done in a group they were expected to dominate.
South Africa have two last-minute goals by Thalente Mbatha to thank for their four points. In a group with lowly-ranked teams, Bafana Bafana should be sitting on six points. Uganda almost walked away with three points from Orlando Stadium while South Sudan could not hold on for a draw.
All three countries have double headers coming up in October. A win at home and away against their next opponents is now a must, if only to try and please the fans.
