The failure of the Black Stars to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has led to passionate criticisms from some football legends and high-profile politicians.

Otto Addo and his players have come under intense scrutiny over their failure to qualify the Black Stars for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

Ghana lost three, drew three, and won none of their six matches played in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

The team finished bottom of Group F with just three points, while Sudan and Angola qualified from the group.

It marks the first time in 20 years that the Black Stars have not qualified for the AFCON.

Here is what some politicians and sports personalities have said concerning the Black Stars’ AFCON fiasco and coach Otto Addo:

John Dramani Mahama

The Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, blamed the failure of the Black Stars to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on the governance of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

“We have lost everything. Even the Black Stars team, which we used as our source of entertainment, is now in its worst state. For the past 20 years, anytime it is time for AFCON, the Black Stars will take part. But we have failed to even make it through qualifiers.”

He added, “It is all because of the bad governance we have been subjected to for the past eight years, but democracy has allowed us to change government every four years. So, we have another opportunity on December 7 to change this government. Let’s do that peacefully.”

Nana Akomea

The Vice Chairman of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's Campaign Team, Nana Akomea, rejected calls for the Black Stars head coach to be relieved of his duties.

Speaking on Joy FM, he asserted that sacking Otto Addo could land the team in trouble, with the struggles likely to continue.

"I don't think we should get into a panic mode. I know there are widespread calls for the coach [Otto Addo] to be relieved of his role, but we have the World Cup qualification ahead of us. I believe we should maintain the coach to take us through the World Cup qualification because if there is trouble and we bring another coach, we still get into trouble," he said.

Nii Lante Vanderpuye

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Nii Lante Vanderpuye, spoke out about Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The former minister believes a complete reset is the solution for Ghana, which has been in disarray over the last few years.

“If I were the minister, I would have dissolved the current GFA. I know FIFA would give us a six-month ban, but since Ghana is not going to the AFCON, we could use that period to restructure our national team and football.

“A good leader must not be scared of taking difficult decisions that are in the interest of the people. I would be harsher and tougher than before on the GFA because things are worse today in our football,” he told PureSports.

Abedi Pele

Legendary Ghanaian footballer Abedi Ayew Pele called for diligence and determination after the Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The 1982 AFCON winner indicated that there has been a change in Ghanaian football over the past three decades, which is a concern that ought to be looked at critically.

"I think time changes everything, and this, we are talking about three decades. So, whatever it is, we shouldn't look back; we should just look forward, work hard, and achieve whatever we want to achieve.

"What it takes to be a great football team or a great football nation is to work hard and put your house in order to make sure that you get results, and that is all it takes to be a good team all over the world. Football is one of the keys to ensuring that the teams and the country are united," Pele said.

Ibrahim Sunday

Ghana legend Ibrahim Sunday sounded the alarm on the Black Stars' current struggles, urging the nation to take immediate action to address the team’s decline.

Sunday, the 1971 African Footballer of the Year, attributed the national team’s poor performances to a lack of foresight in player development and succession planning.

"When the team was performing well, we did not look for quality players to replace. We did not prepare for our future, and that is why we are struggling now. As a nation, we act as if we do not care. But we need to take action and solve the problem," he told Asempa FM.

Coach Anthony Adusei

The experienced instructor at the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Coach Anthony Adusei, rejected criticisms directed at Black Stars coach Otto Addo after the 2025 AFCON qualifying fiasco.

Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, Adusei noted that Otto Addo is not always the problem for the Black Stars’ woes as the players and other issues contribute to the performance.

“The team has been conceding goals a lot, and by now we should find a solution to it. My problem is when things don’t go well, everybody seems to blame the coach, but not everything is his fault. So those who don’t have an in-depth understanding of the tactical approach to games end up criticizing the coach all the time," he said in Twi.

Ben Nunoo Mensah

The President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Ben Nunoo Mensah, expressed pessimism about the chances of Otto Addo qualifying Ghana for the 2026 World Cup.

He noted that the disastrous performance of the team in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which included being beaten 2-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium by Niger, is an indication of the coach’s incompetence.

"I have not been convinced about Otto Addo's coaching prowess, especially against Niger. In crucial games, the matches are being won by the coaches.

"Judging by the games we have played in the AFCON and what I expected from him, I don't think he is competently good enough to qualify Ghana for the 2026 World Cup,” he said in Twi while speaking in an interview with Asempa FM.

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