AFCON 2025Q: Ghana’s group throws up familiar foes and conflicts of interest
They beat Namibia 3-0 in the round of 16 before succumbing to eventual finalists, Nigeria in the quarter-final.
In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Angola is fourth placed with six points, two behind Group D leaders Cameroon.
Star man.
Cagliari’s Zito Luvumbo will be one to watch
Every national team has that player who personifies its ethos. For Angola, Zito Luvumbo is that guy.
The Cagliari forward began his international career with Angola’s U15s, winning the COSAFA U17 Championship in 2018 before going on to inspire his nation to a third place at the AFCON U17 the following year, earning Angola an inaugural appearance at the FIFA U17 World Cup.
Luvumbo’s cultured left foot makes him a credible threat for both club and country.
He has a good mix of technique and firepower when shooting. His four goals in the Serie A last season proved that he can score goals beyond creating them for others.
Niger.
Niger has only qualified for the AFCON twice in their history. Remember them against Ghana in South Africa 2013?
Yes. They are here again. Not in the main competition, but in a contest for a ticket to that very tournament they met 11 years ago.
In a bid to restore pride, Niger has turned to Moroccan goalkeeping legend Badou Zaki on a two-year deal as head coach. Zaki notably led Morocco to the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations final in what remains the highest point of his coaching career.
Zaki notably led Morocco to the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations
Having recently coached the Sudan national team, his intimate knowledge of the Group F opponents will be priceless.
If Badou is to secure a third AFCON appearance, Victorien Adebayor, the country’s all-time top scorer will be key. Having played for Inter Allies and Legon Cities in Ghana’s Premier League, Adebayor is no stranger to Ghana.
Another player to keep an eye on is Sheriff Tiraspol’s Moumouni Amadou Darankoum. The defensive midfielder has developed into a tidy passer of the ball and a clean tackler.
In previous meetings with Ghana, Niger has lost all official matches in eight attempts. In terms of AFCON Qualifiers, Ghana has won all four games, scoring a mammoth 21 goals while conceding just two.
Source: myjoyonline.com