Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku, has voiced his profound disappointment following the Black Stars’ failure to secure a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The national team’s elimination, finishing last in Group F with only three points from six games, represents a major setback.
In a Facebook post, Okraku reflected on the stark contrast between the team’s recent achievements and their current struggles, expressing concern over the unexpected turn of events.
“From the highest heights of world football on the 29th of March 2022 to the lowest ebb of AFCON qualifying matches. My heart bleeds,” Okraku began, referring to Ghana’s qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup as a moment of pride, now overshadowed by their inability to secure a spot in AFCON 2025.
He acknowledged the disappointment felt by fans and stakeholders, recognising that the team’s current performance falls far short of expectations.
“Definitely, this is not what we want or what we bargained for,” he wrote. “At this point, only cool heads can win, and we as leaders of our sport will stay together, be honest with ourselves, and fix this problem.”
Okraku described the road to recovery as a challenging one but expressed optimism for the future.
“The road to full recovery after normalisation is definitely bumpy and rough, but our collective efforts and patience will win, and Ghana, our beloved country, will win,” he said.
As both a fan and leader, Okraku empathised with the nation’s frustration.
“As a Black Stars fan and as the leader, I share in your pain and in our pain,” he wrote, reiterating his commitment to guiding the team through this difficult period.
Despite the setback, Okraku remained hopeful that the Black Stars will emerge stronger in the future.
“We will rise from this temporary setback. It shall be well,” he concluded.