Former Black Stars defender Shilla Illiasu has expressed deep disappointment following Ghana’s 2-0 defeat to Sudan in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. The match, held at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi, Libya, has put Ghana in a precarious position, risking their absence from next year’s AFCON in Morocco.

In an interview with Citi Sports, Illiasu underscored the necessity for a long-term sustainable development plan, advocating for a shift away from short-term strategies focused solely on immediate tournament qualifications, such as the 2025 AFCON and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He noted the substantial support provided by the GFA and government to the Black Stars, emphasizing the disappointment over the team’s struggles despite these resources.

“While we created chances, we failed to capitalize on them, and what I witnessed was truly disappointing,” he stated.

Ghana currently sits third in Group F, with only two points from four games, and faces the threat of missing the AFCON for the first time in two decades. The Black Stars will return to action in November for their final two qualifying matches against Niger and Angola.