After Ghana’s 1-0 defeat to Angola in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, frustrated fans resorted to violence and vandalism, ending the Black Stars’ 24-year unbeaten streak at the venue. The result was a bitter disappointment for the home crowd, who had hoped to see their team maintain their dominance at one of their most storied football grounds.
Throughout the match, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense as the Black Stars struggled to create clear scoring opportunities on a pitch that was in poor condition. Despite the home team’s efforts, they failed to break down a disciplined Angolan defense, and the quality of play was further hampered by the uneven and worn-out surface, which made ball control and passing difficult. The frustration among the fans mounted as the game wore on, with many voicing their discontent from the stands.
The turning point came in the dying moments of the match when Angola’s Felicio Milson scored in added time, securing a dramatic victory for the visitors. The goal not only handed Angola their first win in Group F, which also includes Sudan and Niger, but it also intensified the disappointment felt by Ghanaian fans. In another Group F match, Sudan managed a narrow 1-0 victory over Niger, adding further pressure on Ghana to secure points in their upcoming fixtures.
Following Milson’s late goal, the tension in the stadium reached a boiling point. Some fans, unable to contain their frustration, began throwing plastic bottles and other objects onto the pitch. Security personnel were quickly deployed to maintain order, but the anger of the crowd soon escalated into physical action. After the final whistle, several fans breached the stadium’s inner perimeter, trampling over and breaking wooden pitch panels in a chaotic scene that underscored the depth of their disappointment.
There were also reports that a group of fans forced their way into the stadium ahead of the match by breaking through a gate at the T.I. Ahmadiyya end of the grounds. This early display of unrest hinted at the volatile mood among sections of the home crowd, who had arrived with high expectations for a victory that would consolidate Ghana’s position in the group standings.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) expressed its dismay over the incidents, condemning the violence and vowing to work with law enforcement to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the damage. A GFA spokesperson stated, “We understand the frustration of our fans, but there is no place for violence and vandalism in football. We are cooperating with the police to investigate these incidents and ensure that such actions are not repeated.”
Local authorities have also launched an investigation into the disturbances, with a focus on understanding how security protocols were breached and what measures can be put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future. The police have warned that individuals found guilty of causing damage to property or inciting violence could face serious legal consequences.
Ghana’s head coach, who has been under increasing scrutiny following a series of mixed results in recent matches, called for calm and urged fans to continue supporting the team as they prepare for their next challenge. “We are all disappointed with the result, but I urge our supporters to stand by us as we work to turn things around. The players are committed to giving their best in every game, and we need the fans’ support now more than ever,” he said in a post-match interview.
Looking ahead, the Black Stars face a crucial encounter against Niger on Monday, September 9, in Morocco at 15:00 GMT. With the team’s qualification hopes now uncertain, this match has taken on added significance. Ghana will need a win to stay competitive in Group F and to restore confidence among their supporters after the demoralizing loss to Angola.
The team’s preparation for the upcoming match has been further complicated by the potential disciplinary actions they might face from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the crowd disturbances in Kumasi. CAF’s regulations on crowd behavior are strict, and Ghana could face sanctions that range from fines to playing matches behind closed doors if found in violation.
This is not the first time fan violence has marred a football match in Ghana. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, prompting discussions on how to better manage crowd behavior and improve stadium security. As the country’s football authorities continue to grapple with these challenges, there is a renewed call for restraint and responsibility among fans, who play a critical role in supporting their team both at home and abroad.
Despite the setback, there remains a sense of hope among the more optimistic supporters that the Black Stars can regroup and bounce back in their next fixture. The players, aware of the stakes, are reportedly focused on their preparations and are determined to make amends for the disappointment in Kumasi.
As Ghana prepares to take on Niger, the pressure will be on both the team and its supporters to ensure that the focus remains on the football itself, rather than the unfortunate scenes that followed the Angola match. The Black Stars will look to rally their fans behind them, channeling the passion and energy in the stands towards a positive result on the field.
For now, all eyes are on Monday’s clash in Morocco, where the Black Stars will have a chance to get their qualification campaign back on track and give their fans something to cheer about once more.
