Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying | Group Stage

Nov 18, 2024 at 4pm UK

Al-Merreikh Stadium

Sudanvs.Angola

Match preview

Sudan's bid to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations suffered a minor setback when they were beaten 4-0 by Niger in their match on Thursday.

In a one-sided match, Niger came out on top with goals from Youssouf Oumarou, Ousseni Badamassi and a first-half brace from 26-year-old Daniel Sosah. This result keeps their slim hopes of qualifying alive.

This was a far cry from Sudan's impressive display on 15 October, when they beat Ghana 2-0 thanks to Ahmed Hamed Mahmoud and Mohamed Abdelrahman.

Appiah's team have lost two of their five AFCON qualifying matches, but they've also won two and drawn one, which means they've got seven points and they're second in Group F, six points off Angola and three above Niger, who have a stronger goal difference (+2).

While Sudan need a point on Monday to avoid any last-minute drama and secure a spot in AFCON for the first time since 2021, they'll need to show what they're made of against an opposing side they haven't managed to beat in their last five meetings, losing twice and drawing three since August 1988.

Angola's 100% record in the 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign came to an end on Friday when they played out a 1-1 draw with Ghana in Luanda's Estadio 11 de Novembro.

Jordan Ayew, who plays for Leicester City, scored a fantastic long-range free kick in the 18th minute to put Ghana in the lead. However, the 22-year-old striker Zini equalised in the 64th minute, which meant the hosts shared the points.

Before that, Angola had four wins from four games in Group F. They beat Ghana and Sudan in September, then had two back-to-back wins over Niger in October.

Pedro Gonçalves's team head into Monday's group finale as one of just eight nations yet to suffer defeat in the qualifying campaign. They've been unbeaten in each of their last 13 matches across all competitions, claiming nine wins and four draws since a 1-0 friendly defeat against Morocco in April.

This impressive streak has seen Angola surge into fourth place in Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They also clinched the 2024 COSAFA Cup in July, when they dominated Namibia 5-0 in the final at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Recent Performance

Sudan Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:WLDWL

Sudan form (all competitions):WWLDWL

Angola Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:WWWWD

Angola form (all competitions):WWWWWD

Team News

Ahmed Hamed Mahmoud will be missing from the team for Monday's game as he was forced off injured in the 23rd minute against Niger on Friday.

Yasir Mozamil, who is 32, will be pushing for a starting role, and he could end up playing with Ebo Eisa and Saif Thierry, who plays for Pharco, at the attacking end of the pitch.

I think Appiah will stick with the back four of Bakhit Khamis, Mohamed Saeed, Abdel Rahman Koko and Ramadan Agab, while we expect Mohamed Abdelrahman, Salaheldin Adil and Mohamed Abuaagla to team up at the centre of the park.

Zini scored the equaliser against Ghana, so he's now got two goals to his name in the last two matches. He's based in Greece, so he'll be looking to deliver the goods once again.

David Carmo, who used to play for Nottingham Forest, made his debut for Angola in March. He'll probably partner up with Bastos at centre-back, while Fredy, Show and Antonio Hossi should keep their spots in midfield.

Possible starting lineup

Sudan possible starting lineup:

Abou; Khamis, Saeed, Koko, Agab; Abdelrahman, Adil, Abuaagla; Mozamil, Eisa, Thierry

Angola possible starting lineup:

Neblu; Gaspar, Bastos, Carmo, Fortuna; Hossi, Fredy, Show; Luvumbo, Nzola, Milson