Ghanaian forward Majeed Waris has voiced his deep disappointment over the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing it as a monumental blow to the nation’s football legacy.

After a dismal campaign in Group F, Ghana found themselves at the bottom of the table with just three points from six games, marking their first absence from the tournament in 21 years. Angola and Sudan claimed the group’s two qualifying spots, leaving the once-mighty Black Stars to watch from the sidelines when the tournament kicks off in Morocco in December 2025.

“It’s a shame for all of us, and I feel like something needs to be done,” Waris told Sportsblog247.com, reflecting on the team’s dismal run.

The former Ghanaian international, who donned the Black Stars jersey between 2012 and 2019, expressed his concern over the long-term emotional impact of the absence. “Everyone is hurt, but we won’t feel the gravity of it now. It’s when the tournament begins, when countries start arriving, and we see the joy and happiness it brings to others—that’s when Ghana will truly feel the pain.”

Ghana’s poor performance has drawn widespread criticism, with pressure mounting on head coach Otto Addo, who led the team through the qualifiers. His future with the Black Stars remains uncertain as the Ghana Football Association (GFA) deliberates on the next steps.

For a nation with a storied football history and four AFCON titles, missing the tournament is a sobering reminder of the challenges facing Ghanaian football. The absence from the continental showpiece is not just a missed opportunity on the pitch but a blow to the pride and spirit of a football-loving nation.