Ernest Thompson, a former Management Committee Member of the Black Stars, has described as “extremely embarrassing” Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 2025 AFCON, set to take place in Morocco from December 23, 2025, to January 18, 2026, marks the first time since 1988 that the North African country will host the continental competition. 24 Nations will battle for the title, with Cote D’Ivoire as the defending champion.
Ghana’s qualification campaign ended dismally, as the Black Stars finished at the bottom of Group F without a single victory in six matches. The team’s poor performance included failing to secure any home wins, a shocking low point for the once-dominant football nation.
Key results in the campaign included a 1-0 loss to Angola in Kumasi, a goalless draw against Sudan, and a 2-1 defeat to Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium.
“Simply put, the situation we find ourselves in is extremely embarrassing. Of course, we’ve missed the AFCON about six times. I remember when Rwanda took us off [in 2003] and we couldn’t go to one [in 2004], but this is extremely embarrassing for a lot of reasons, none the least being the fact that the team itself is not playing well,” JoySports Link on Joy FM.
He called for swift and decisive action to tackle the issues affecting the Black Stars, warning that inaction could lead to long-term consequences.
While he expressed optimism about the possibility of recovery, he emphasized that it hinges on the decisions made at this crucial moment.
“What is important for now is that we need cool heads and to take drastic decisions. If we don’t have the leaders to take the drastic decisions, we will just tingle with things and we will be where we are.
“There’s light at the end of the tunnel, but it depends on what decisions we take now because what I hear talking to them is extremely frightening. Unfortunately, my good friends at the FA; those at the top have brought something upon themselves, and if they don’t take care, the fire will engulf them.”
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