Ghana’s Black Stars have missed out on qualification for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time since 2004, following a 1-1 draw with Angola in Luanda.

Otto Addo made several changes to his starting lineup, handing debuts to Nations FC defender Razak Simpson and Michael Baidoo, while Abdul Manaf Nurudeen was given the nod in goal ahead of Lawrence Ati-Zigi.

The Black Stars took the lead in the 19th minute, courtesy of a stunning free-kick from Jordan Ayew.

The goal followed a foul on Mohammed Kudus, with Ayew stepping up to beat the Angolan goalkeeper from a set-piece taken just outside the box.

Angola came close to equalizing in the 27th minute when Gideon Mensah fouled Zito Luvumbo inside the penalty area.

However, Manaf Nurudeen, making his competitive debut for Ghana, saved M’Bala Nzola’s penalty, keeping the Black Stars in front.

In the dying moments of the first half, Baidoo’s shot was blocked by the Angolan defense, and Ghana went into the break with a narrow advantage.

Angola responded in the 63rd minute, when substitute Zini Cabaca Salvador powered home a header from a well-delivered cross by Joao Felicio Milson to level the score at 1-1.

The Black Stars continued their search for a second goal, with Kudus coming close in the 71st minute, only for his shot to miss the target.

Ghana’s hopes were further dashed when Angola nearly grabbed a winner in the final minutes, but Manaf Nurudeen pulled off a crucial save to deny them.

The draw means Ghana will not qualify for the 2024 AFCON, with the final match of the qualifying campaign against Niger set for November 19, 2024, at the Accra Sports Stadium.