Ghana sealed their spot at the Africa Cup of Nations with a last-minute penalty in Kumasi. We took to the streets to capture the atmosphere.
The streets of Accra erupted Tuesday night as Thomas Partey's last-minute penalty sent Ghana to AFCON 2025. Supporters poured out of bars, homes, and offices across the country as the final whistle confirmed a 2-1 win over Madagascar.
At the Mantse Agbonaa fan zone in James Town, hundreds had gathered to watch the match on a giant screen. When the penalty went in, the roar was heard blocks away. "I cried, honestly," said 22-year-old Accra resident Nana Yaw Ofori. "After the last two tournaments, we needed this."
Coach Otto Addo — who returned to the role after the 2026 World Cup qualifiers — kept his approach refreshingly pragmatic. "We knew this would be tough. The boys showed character tonight and that is what matters at this level."
Star performers included goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who made three crucial saves before half-time, and debutant Emmanuel Lomotey, whose pressing in midfield set the tone for Ghana's second-half comeback. Lomotey, 21, plays his club football at Clermont Foot in France and has been tipped for a big-money move this summer.
Ghana will head to Morocco for AFCON 2025 knowing they are in a tough group alongside Senegal and Egypt. But for now, the country is celebrating.
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Kofi Boateng
Kofi has followed the Black Stars since childhood and now channels that passion into storytelling at the intersection of sport, identity, and youth culture.