Black Stars defender Mohammed Salisu believes Ghana’s painful failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has been the driving force behind the team’s spectacular revival in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Speaking after Ghana’s 5-0 demolition of the Central African Republic on Wednesday at the Stade d’Honneur de Meknès, the AS Monaco center-back — who opened the scoring with a commanding header — reflected on how the disappointment of missing AFCON became the turning point for the Black Stars.

> “That AFCON failure changed everything,” Salisu told 3Sports. “We learned from it. It hurt, but it made us stronger. We had to look at ourselves, change our mentality, and fight for something bigger — qualifying for the World Cup.”

For the first time in over two decades, Ghana sat out Africa’s biggest football festival — a bitter pill that forced players, coaches, and fans to confront hard truths. That moment of national reflection, Salisu says, inspired the renewed focus and hunger now powering the team’s performances.

Against CAR, the Black Stars looked unrecognizable from the team that stumbled through AFCON qualification. Salisu’s early goal set the tone before Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Alexander Djiku completed the rout.

Salisu highlighted the team’s improved cohesion and tactical discipline, especially in the second half, as evidence of their progress. “We now play as one unit. Everyone understands the plan, and the communication is better. That’s what was missing before,” he added.

Under Otto Addo’s renewed leadership, Ghana has rediscovered its identity — combining structure with flair. The German-trained tactician has instilled mental toughness and professionalism reminiscent of his Borussia Dortmund days, transforming the squad’s attitude both on and off the pitch.

Salisu, now 25, has emerged as a pillar in defense — calm under pressure, strong in duels, and increasingly a threat from set-pieces. His performances for Monaco in Ligue 1 have sharpened his game, and his leadership is becoming as vital as his defending.

The resurgence isn’t just tactical — it’s emotional. The pain of missing AFCON has become motivation. “We can’t undo the past,” Salisu said, “but we can use it to push ourselves forward.”

With one game left — a home clash against Comoros at Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi — Ghana stands on the brink of securing their fifth World Cup appearance. The energy in camp and among fans suggests the nation has rediscovered belief.

Salisu’s story mirrors Ghana’s — both tested, both rebuilt through resilience. His journey from the English Premier League to Ligue 1, and from AFCON heartbreak to World Cup hope, captures the spirit of a team reborn.

If Wednesday’s performance is anything to go by, Ghana’s fire has been rekindled — and Mohammed Salisu is right at the heart of it.