In the heart of Ghana’s football legacy lies a bittersweet tale of glory and lost opportunities. Former African Footballer of the Year, Ibrahim Sunday, has reflected on the Black Stars’ decline in recent years, pointing to a lack of strategic future planning during their golden era as the root cause.

Speaking in an interview with Peace FM, Sunday shared his concerns about the absence of a long-term vision to sustain the momentum built during the Black Stars’ peak years.

“This is a big issue,” Sunday lamented. “When the team was doing well, we didn’t plan for the future. We didn’t prepare to replace the stars who carried us, and now we’re paying the price. By all means, it will be difficult for us moving forward.”

Ghana’s historic World Cup debut in 2006, followed by thrilling campaigns in 2010 and 2014, elevated the Black Stars to global fame. Their unforgettable 2010 AFCON run, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to Egypt in the final, remains etched in history. But as icons like Asamoah Gyan, Stephen Appiah, and Michael Essien moved on, a new generation failed to rise with the same impact.

Sunday’s remarks are a wake-up call for Ghanaian football. The former Black Stars captain and legend emphasized the urgent need for a structured football development program to ensure the nation doesn’t lose its place among Africa’s elite.

As Ghana reflects on its past glories, Sunday’s words resonate as both a critique and a roadmap for the future. A commitment to nurturing young talent, investing in grassroots football, and building for the long term could be the solution to restoring the Black Stars’ shine.