Ghana’s Black Stars, four-time champions of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), have left fans in shock and dismay after failing to qualify for the 2025 edition of the tournament. This marks the first time in 20 years that the West African giants will miss out on the continental showpiece, with their last absence dating back to 2004.

In a dismal qualifying campaign, the Black Stars finished bottom of Group F, managing only three points from six matches. They lost three games and drew the remaining three, failing to secure a single win. The final blow came in a 2-1 defeat to Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium, a match played before a nearly empty crowd—a stark reflection of fans’ frustration.

The lackluster performances have triggered widespread outrage among Ghanaians, many of whom are calling for the dismissal of head coach Otto Addo. Critics argue that his tactics and leadership failed to inspire the team during the qualifiers.

With the AFCON dream now shattered, the Black Stars must refocus on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, set to resume in March 2026. However, questions remain about whether the team can rebuild and regain the trust of their passionate fanbase.