It happened in Kigali around two decades ago. Ghana’s Black Stars had failed to shine, being eclipsed by the black in the stars.
In Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, and many other parts of the country, there was national sadness as the pride of this West African nation was left off the final list of countries heading to Tunisia for the continental football festival, the African Cup of Nations.
Africa’s football nobility lost their prestige, but they replied with a resounding qualification to the World Cup in Germany. It also includes a return to the AFCON in Cairo two years later.
It was a memorable period for every Kwame Nkrumah descendent who likes this national team, which he purposefully designed to be the source of envy. The host and win AFCON motto did not materialize in 2008, but two years later, the boys finished second on this stage and earned a quarterfinal spot in the FIFA World Cup, which was staged in Africa for the first time.
This group’s global reputation increased as they swept even neutrals off their feet, earning the admiration of millions of football fans.
From 2008 to 2017, Ghana reached the semi-finals of every AFCON, but its fortunes in this competition have deteriorated to the point where qualifying for an even larger tournament is tough.
Simply put, 20 years after that infamous outing in Kigali, another one occurred, this time in Luanda, 3,021 kilometers away.
However, the tears were shed in cities that had cried two decades before.
It’s an astonishing reality.
For the first time in two decades, Ghana’s Black Stars will not compete in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). The 1-1 draw against Angola in their penultimate Group F qualifying match confirmed their fate, leaving Ghanaians stunned and head coach Otto Addo under intense criticism.
The nation’s pride in football has suffered a significant damage. Since losing out on the 2004 AFCON, Ghana has been a steady presence, typically regarded as one of the continent’s heavyweights. This defeat is more than just a setback; it is an unwelcome chapter in the country’s football history, necessitating introspection and organizational adjustments.
A legacy damaged
Otto Addo, who assumed command following Ghana’s terrible performance at the 2022 World Cup, is now under criticism. Addo’s tactical ideas and player selections have been questioned, particularly his use of a 3-4-3 configuration, which left the squad susceptible defensively. This new setback will surely define his tenure and cast doubt on his capacity to lead Ghana forward.
With only three points from five matches – three draws and two losses – the Black Stars’ disappointing season defies fans’ expectations. The team’s inability to convert opportunities, maintain defensive stability, and adapt tactically were obvious throughout the qualifiers.
Five essential lessons from Ghana’s draw with Angola.
home-based players deserve greater opportunity.
Razak Simpson, a Nation FC defender, was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise poor game. Simpson, who was called up owing to critical player injuries, defended with composure and persistence. His performance emphasizes the need for greater opportunities for regionally based players, who are frequently underrepresented in the national squad.
However, Simpson’s attempts were hampered by a faulty three-back system. With two centre-backs who are natural full-backs alongside him, Ghana’s defence was repeatedly exposed, highlighting Addo’s tactical deficiencies. It was a proper audition and claim for his Ghana League colleagues.
The goalkeeper gamble paid off.
Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, starting ahead of first-choice Lawrence Ati Zigi, gave an outstanding performance. His penalty stop in the first half was critical, and he produced key one-on-one saves in the second half to keep Ghana in contention. Nurudeen’s exploits were a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent campaign.
Weak defensive form.
Otto Addo’s 3-4-3 lineup was inefficient against Angolan wingers Mendes João and Sebastião Luvumbo. Full-backs Gideon Mensah and Alidu Seidu failed to deal with Angola’s pace and width, leaving openings that were mercilessly exploited. The wing-backs failed to provide appropriate defensive support, exposing the centre-backs and adding to Ghana’s disjointed defensive performance.
Poor game management.
Jordan Ayew’s spectacular shot put Ghana ahead, but the team’s failure to dominate the game afterward proved costly. Poor decision-making, missed passes, and a lack of composure allowed Angola to dominate possession and eventually equalise. The Black Stars’ failure to protect a lead has been a reoccurring concern in recent years and must be addressed.
Tactical inefficiency
Addo’s hesitation to change his tactics in response to Angola’s aggressive threats was clear. While Angola made five adjustments to attack Ghana’s weaknesses, the Black Stars appeared to be caught in a strict system with little adaptability. This lack of tactical dynamism lost Ghana a critical victory.
A moment for reflection.
The failure to qualify for AFCON 2025 serves as a wake-up call for Ghanaian football. The days of depending on past successes are passed; it’s time to completely rebuild the team’s structure, tactics, and player development pathways.
For Otto Addo, the pressure will only increase as fans and stakeholders demand answers. Whether he remains in charge or not, the Black Stars must find a way to rebuild and restore their name on the African arena.
As Ghana grapples with this historic defeat, one thing is clear: the country’s football future is dependent on learning from this setback and implementing the necessary changes to avoid a repeat of this tragic chapter.