Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco has sent shockwaves through the footballing community, marking the nation’s first absence from the tournament since 2004.
The 1-1 draw against Angola in Luanda epitomized a campaign marred by glaring deficiencies. While Angola celebrated their ticket to Morocco, Ghana’s underwhelming qualification journey has highlighted three major issues that need urgent attention.
Lack of Tactical Cohesion
Throughout the campaign, Ghana struggled to assert tactical dominance in matches. Against Angola, despite a moment of individual brilliance from Jordan Ayew’s free-kick, the Black Stars lacked a coherent strategy to sustain their lead.
Angola dominated much of the game, exposing gaps in Ghana’s midfield and defense. Ghana’s inability to adapt to Angola’s energetic approach in the second half allowed the hosts to equalize and nearly snatch a victory. This lack of tactical flexibility has been a recurring issue, leaving fans questioning the team’s preparation and game management.
Defensive Instability
Ghana’s defensive vulnerabilities were on full display throughout the qualification series. While goalkeeper Manaf Nurudeen’s penalty save against Angola briefly offered hope, it was overshadowed by the team’s inability to contain opposition attacks.
Angola’s Zini scored a crucial header, reflecting Ghana’s persistent struggles with aerial duels and marking. The defence’s inconsistency has been a significant factor in the team’s inability to close out games, leading to dropped points in critical moments.
Lack of Depth and Squad Rotation
The campaign also exposed Ghana’s overreliance on a few key players, with limited contributions from the bench. Angola’s use of substitutes, including Zini, proved decisive, while Ghana’s bench lacked impactful options. Without adequately integrating younger talents, this over-reliance on veterans like Jordan Ayew raises concerns about the team’s depth and long-term planning.
The Road Ahead
With one game remaining against Niger, the Black Stars find themselves playing for pride. However, the broader implications of this failure extend beyond the current campaign.
Ghanaian football now faces a critical juncture, requiring a comprehensive review of coaching, player development, and administrative strategies.
Missing out on AFCON 2025 is not just a blow to Ghana’s footballing reputation but also a wake-up call for stakeholders. To reclaim their status as one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses, the Black Stars must address these glaring issues and build a cohesive, dynamic team capable of competing at the highest level.
