A Black Stars squad
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has described the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a major disappointment, while applauding the team’s resilience in bouncing back strongly.
For the first time in more than 20 years, Ghana did not feature at the continent’s premier football tournament after finishing bottom of their qualifying group, missing out on the Morocco 2025 showpiece.
Speaking in an interview with Metro TV, Mr. Okraku acknowledged the significance of the setback, stressing that AFCON participation should be non-negotiable for a football nation like Ghana.
“AFCON, for me, is a given. We have to be there. If we are not there, that is the low side of our sport,” he said.
Despite the disappointment, the GFA President was encouraged by the Black Stars’ response, highlighting their successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Mr. Okraku revealed that the national team went through the entire 2025 calendar year without losing a competitive match, a feat he believes reflects renewed belief and progress within the squad.
“In 2025, the Black Stars did not lose a single competitive game. That gladdens my heart,” he noted.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L for the 2026 World Cup, where they will face Panama, England and Croatia as they seek to make a strong impression on the global stage.
BY Wletsu Ransford