Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has expressed his profound sorrow following the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
On his Facebook page, he reflected on the stark contrast between the team’s recent highs and their current struggles. “From the highest heights of world football on the 29th of March 2022 to the lowest ebb of AFCON qualifying matches. My heart bleeds,” he remarked, referencing Ghana’s qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup as a proud moment now eclipsed by this setback.
He acknowledged the disappointment shared by fans and stakeholders, admitting that the team’s performance has fallen far short of expectations. “This is not what we want or what we bargained for. At this point, only cool heads can win. We as leaders of our sport will stay together, be honest with ourselves, and fix this problem.”
“The road to full recovery after normalization is bumpy and rough, but our collective efforts and patience will win, and Ghana, our beloved country, will win.”
Speaking both as a fan and leader, Kurt Okraku empathized with the nation’s frustration. “As a Black Stars fan and as the leader, I share in your pain and in our pain,” he said, pledging his commitment to steering the team through these turbulent times.
He concluded with a message of hope: “We will rise from this temporary setback. It shall be well.”
Ghana’s failure to qualify for AFCON 2025 marks a historic low, drawing widespread criticism of the team’s performance and the GFA’s leadership.
In light of the disappointing outcome, the GFA’s Executive Council will convene on Wednesday to deliberate on the way forward.
