Ghana’s absence from the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco evokes memories of a similar disappointment in 2004. Twenty years ago, the Black Stars failed to qualify for the AFCON held in Tunisia, a rare setback for one of Africa’s football powerhouses.

Interestingly, history seems to repeat itself whenever certain conditions align. The last time Morocco hosted the AFCON in 1988, Ghana also failed to qualify for the tournament. This uncanny pattern has left fans less surprised by the latest qualification miss, though the disappointment remains palpable.

As the Black Stars regroup and reflect on their performance, the 2024 AFCON will move forward without one of its most storied teams. For many Ghanaians, this moment serves as a reminder of football’s unpredictability and the cyclical nature of history.