Ghana’s dream of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) came crashing down, marking the first time in 20 years that the Black Stars will miss out on the prestigious tournament. The team’s dismal performance in the qualifiers, including a 0-0 draw at home against Sudan and a 2-0 loss in Benghazi, has drawn sharp criticism, with former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council member, Wilfred Osei Kweku Palmer, pinpointing poor planning as the root cause.

Speaking on Asempa FM, Palmer, who previously served on the Black Stars management committee, expressed his disappointment with the team’s preparation, particularly ahead of the decisive return leg.

“Personally, I knew Black Stars would lose against Sudan during the AFCON qualifiers,” he stated. “The GFA was aware that the return leg game would be played on an astroturf pitch, yet no arrangements were made for the players to train on a similar surface in Ghana or even upon their arrival. The lack of preparation was evident in our performance.”

The Black Stars finished at the bottom of Group F, with only three points from three draws and three defeats, capping a campaign many fans and analysts have described as disastrous.

This historic failure has sparked widespread calls for introspection and a more strategic approach to the team’s management moving forward.