Black Stars: Seven years of decline while hashtagging love

In 2008-2017, Ghana's national football team, the Black Stars, enjoyed remarkable success. They participated in six consecutive African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, made six consecutive semi-final appearances, and reached the final twice. They also advanced to the knockout stage of the 2010 World Cup, only to lose on penalties to Uruguay.

During this period, the team consistently generated excitement among Ghanaians, who would gather in large numbers during pre-match training sessions, adorned in Ghana flags and other paraphernalia.

However, the Black Stars' decline began in 2021. After qualifying for AFCON 2021 as group winners, they suffered their first-ever group-stage elimination at the tournament, finishing bottom of their group. This marked a turning point in the team's fortunes. Subsequent AFCON qualifiers saw zero wins, three draws, and three defeats, resulting in the team missing the 2025 AFCON tournament for the first time in 20 years.

The decline is not limited to AFCON performances. Ghana's FIFA rankings also suffered a significant drop. Between 2008-2017, the team's average year-end ranking stood at around 33rd globally. From 2020-2026, it averaged 62nd, with a low of 77th in 2025. Despite this downward trend, Ghana still managed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, reaching the knockout stage for the first time since 2010.

The team achieved notable victories, including a 1-0 win over Panama and a 0-0 draw with England. However, they also suffered a 2-1 loss to Croatia and a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the round of 32.

The decline in the Black Stars' performance has been accompanied by a weakening emotional connection with fans. Streets that once echoed with support during training sessions have become quiet, and the anticipation for matches has diminished. In 2025, Ghana missed the AFCON tournament altogether, marking a significant setback in the team's history.