Angola coach Pedro Goncalves has suggested that Ghana lack good goalkeepers and defenders ahead of the first game in Group F of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at Baba Yara Stadium on Thursday.

According to Goncalves, the Black Stars have quality players and balance in midfield led by Arsenal superstar Thomas Teye Partey and West Ham United forward Kudus Mohammed but there are still areas where his charges can exploit.

The Black Stars have conceded ten goals in their last five games, an average of two goals per game.

“Black Stars have players from top level in the world, but the big names are [only] in the midfield and forward,” Goncalves said at the press conference ahead of the game.

“Mohammed Kudus is one of the best players at the moment for Africa. [There are also] Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey the legend, Inaki Williams.

“I mentioned four players but I can say more. It’s a balanced team at the high level but for sure the big names are in the attack,” he added.

Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew arrived late in camp on Wednesday afternoon together with midfielder Elisha Owusu and the duo are expected to start the game from the bench.

Sudan led by former Ghana captain and coach Kwesi Appiah are leading the group with three points after narrowly defeating Niger 1-0 on Wednesday thanks to a goal by Abo Eisa.