Ernest Thompson, a former member of the Management Committee for the Black Stars, has articulated profound disappointment and embarrassment regarding Ghana’s inability to qualify for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is scheduled to be hosted in Morocco. This tournament holds significance as it marks the first time since 1988 that Morocco will serve as the host nation for the continental event, which will take place from December 23, 2025, to January 18, 2026. This year’s competition will feature 24 nations vying for the title, with Cote D’Ivoire defending its championship. Thompson’s sentiments reflect a broader sense of frustration amongst supporters and stakeholders regarding the declining performance of Ghana’s national football team.
The Black Stars’ qualification campaign was particularly disheartening, culminating in their last-place finish in Group F, where they failed to secure a victory in any of their six matches, an unprecedented outcome for a nation with a rich footballing history. The team’s poor performance was marked by several critical losses, including a 1-0 defeat to Angola in Kumasi, a disappointing goalless draw against Sudan, and a 2-1 loss to Niger at their home ground in Accra. These results not only highlight the team’s lack of competitiveness but also raise serious questions about their readiness and ability to perform on the international stage.
Thompson reflected on the profound implications of this failure, recalling past instances when Ghana missed out on major tournaments, emphasizing that the current situation stands as one of the most humiliating moments in the country’s football history. His comparison to the past, including notable failures to qualify during the 2004 AFCON match against Rwanda, underscores the cyclical nature of Ghana’s struggles in international football. He acknowledges that the team’s underperformance has been symptomatic of deeper issues within the squad and the overall management of Ghanaian football.
Urgent action has been called for to address the pressing challenges facing the Black Stars. Thompson advocated for immediate and decisive measures to rectify the team’s trajectory, cautioning that inaction could have long-term detrimental effects on the nation’s footballing prospects. He underscored the importance of having strong leadership within the Football Association, suggesting that without courageous decisions to revitalize the team and its strategies, the Black Stars risk becoming entrenched in their current malaise. The need for tactical and structural changes within the team and its management appears paramount.
While Thompson conveys a sense of urgency, he also expresses cautious optimism about the future of Ghanaian football. He suggests that recovery is feasible, but only if the right choices are made in the pivotal moments ahead. His remarks indicate that stakeholders must come together to forge a path forward, underscoring the necessity of collaborative efforts among football authorities, coaches, players, and fans to instill a renewed sense of purpose and competitiveness within the Black Stars.
Ultimately, Ernest Thompson’s commentary serves as a clarion call for reflection and reform in Ghanaian football. The frustration echoed in his statements not only resonates with fans and analysts but also points to the critical juncture at which the team currently stands. The challenge now lies in harnessing the lessons from this qualification failure to inspire a resurgence that aligns with the historical stature of the Black Stars and the aspirations of a nation fervently passionate about football. With concerted efforts and astute decision-making, Ghana can reclaim its place on the continental football stage and regain the pride of its loyal supporters.
