The Black Stars’ disappointing failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been tempered by the promising performances of home-based players, reigniting hope in Ghana’s domestic talent pool.

Traditionally overlooked, local players made a significant impact after head coach Otto Addo included them in his squad for the qualifiers against Angola and Niger. Initially, three home-based players—Emmanuel Antwi (Kotoko), Razak Simpson (Nations FC), and Isaac Afful (Samartex)—earned call-ups.

The injury absences of key players such as Jordan Ayew, Fatawu Issahaku, Gideon Mensah, and Alidu Seidu forced Addo to turn to more local talent for the crucial game against Niger. Medeama’s Kamaradini Mamudu, Ebenezer Abban (Heart of Lions), and teenage sensation Jerry Afriyie were drafted in and made their national team debuts.

Razak Simpson had already made an impression in the 1-1 draw against Angola in Luanda, showing composure and skill in midfield. In the final game against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium, Simpson and Afful started and performed admirably. Substitutes Mamudu, Abban, and Afriyie also added energy, with Afriyie scoring Ghana’s consolation goal in the 2-1 defeat.

Although the loss confirmed Ghana’s absence from the AFCON for the first time since 2004, the contributions of the home-based players stood out. Their performances have prompted calls for greater reliance on domestic talent in future Black Stars squads.

The qualifiers saw Ghana, a four-time AFCON champion, finish bottom of Group F with three points after six games without a win. It’s a stark reminder of the team’s current struggles, but the emergence of local talent offers a silver lining.

As the Black Stars shift focus to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, set to resume in March, fans and analysts hope the technical team will continue to nurture the talent within Ghana’s domestic leagues.