Black Stars 2025 AFCON failure was ‘lowest moment’ in my life – GFA boss Kurt Okraku

Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku has described the Black Stars’ failure to secure a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as “the lowest moment” of his life. The disappointing qualifying campaign, overseen by former head coach Otto Addo, saw Ghana finish at the bottom of their group with only three points, after accumulating three losses and three draws.

This marked the first occasion in over two decades that the nation's football champions had missed out on the continental showcase. Speaking to Asempa FM, Okraku expressed his personal anguish over the setback, stating that Ghana’s absence from the competition was a particularly difficult pill to swallow. He reiterated his belief that Ghana should be a regular participant at every AFCON.

The Black Stars are now set to embark on their quest to reclaim their spot in the tournament for the 2027 AFCON, scheduled to take place in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Their qualifying journey begins on 24 September with an away fixture against Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké, followed by a home match against Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.

To conclude their preparations, Ghana will host a friendly against Morocco in Tangier on 4 October, as they aim to build their momentum ahead of the 2027 AFCON finals.