Comoros, Mali, Zambia and Zimbabwe all booked their places at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with one round of qualifying to spare but Ghana’s hopes of reaching the tournament are over.
The Black Stars needed to win away in Angola to take their qualification bid to the final round of Group F fixtures.
A stunning long-range free-kick from Leicester City forward Jordan Ayew put the West Africans 1-0 ahead, and Abdul Manaf Nurudeen saved M’bala Nzola’s penalty to preserve Ghana’s lead before the break.
Angola, who had already qualified for the finals, equalised just after the hour mark through Zine and the match in Luanda ended as a 1-1 draw.
Four-time continental champions Ghana were last absent from the Nations Cup in 2004, and Otto Addo’s side have failed to register a victory in five Group F outings.
Sudan need just a point from their home game against Angola on Monday to progress, but Niger could snatch second spot if they win in Ghana and Sudan are defeated.
Just five spots at the 24-team finals in Morocco next year are yet to be decided.
Mali hold nerve in Maputo
Kamory Doumbia’s first-half goal gave Mali a 1-0 win in Mozambique, with the game going ahead in Maputo despite street protests following last month’s disputed presidential election.
The Eagles are assured of top spot in Group I, while Mozambique must avoid defeat against Guinea-Bissau in their final game to join them at the finals in Morocco.
The West Africans are three points behind the Mambas in the table after they drew 1-1 away against Eswatini, but could still qualify if they secure a victory over Mozambique on Tuesday that gives them an advantage in the head-to-head between the two teams.
Zambia moved to the summit of Group G after registering a surprise 1-0 home victory over reigning continental champions Ivory Coast – although the Elephants were already through before kick-off.
That result ends Sierra Leone’s hopes of qualification.
Comoros will return to the finals after Myziane Maolida’s 90th-minute winner clinched a 2-1 victory away against The Gambia and eliminated the Scorpions in Group A.
The West Africans needed at least a point to remain in the hunt and led in the 18th minute through Alassana Jatta – but Rafiki Said quickly equalised for the islanders.
Comoros, who reached the last 16 on debut at the 2021 finals but missed out on the 2023 edition, join Tunisia in progressing from Group A.
Zimbabwe through as Botswana miss chance
Zimbabwe knew a point from their home game against Kenya would be enough to secure a top-two spot in Group J, and saw out a 1-1 draw against the Harambee Stars to ensure they progress alongside Cameroon.
Elsewhere, Botswana missed the opportunity to book just their second appearance at the Nations Cup after drawing 1-1 at home against Mauritania in Group C.
Cape Verde were eliminated after a 1-1 stalemate at home against already-qualified Egypt, who did not call up Mohamed Salah and rested in-form forward Omar Marmoush.
Botswana now need a point from their trip to Egypt on Tuesday to qualify, while Mauritania will finish second in the group if they win at home against Cape Verde and the Zebras are beaten in Cairo.
Meanwhile, South Africa triumphed 2-0 in Uganda in Group K and Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz scored twice as tournament hosts Morocco came from behind to win 5-1 against Gabon in Group B.
All four teams were already assured of progress before kick-off.
There are just two qualifying matches on Saturday, with both games in Group H.
Ethiopia have a home game against Tanzania (16:00 GMT) and Guinea welcome already-qualified DR Congo (19:00 GMT).
If Tanzania drop points then Guinea can qualify for the finals if they beat the Leopards.
Afcon 2025 qualified teams
Morocco (hosts), Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Comoros, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Friday’s Afcon 2025 qualifying results
-
The Gambia 1-2 Comoros (Group A)
-
Gabon 1-5 Morocco (Group B)
-
Botswana 1-1 Mauritania (Group C)
-
Cape Verde 1-1 Egypt (Group C)
-
Angola 1-1 Ghana (Group F)
-
Zambia 1-0 Ivory Coast (Group G)
-
Eswatini 1-1 Guinea-Bissau (Group I)
-
Mozambique 0-1 Mali (Group I)
-
Zimbabwe 1-1 Kenya (Group J)
-
Uganda 0-2 South Africa (Group K)