The unthinkable has happened. Ghana’s Black Stars have failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, much to the chagrin of many soccer fans.

This marks only the first time since 2004 in the country’s history that the team has missed out on the tournament. For a country that has won the AFCON four times and has been one of the tournament’s powerhouses, this is a bitter pill to swallow.

A Decline in Performance

The signs of decline have been clear over the last decade. After an impressive run of six consecutive semi-final appearances from 2008 to 2017, including two final losses in 2010 and 2015, the team’s performance has steadily declined:

- 2019 AFCON: Round of 16 exit.
- 2021 AFCON: Group stage exit.
- 2023 AFCON: Group stage exit.

How did we fall so far from being consistent title contenders to becoming a team that struggles to even make it out of the group stages?

Mistaking Patriotism for Mediocrity

One of Ghana’s biggest problems is the inability to face hard truths in confronting our problems.

Constructive criticism is often dismissed as unpatriotic, and anyone who points out flaws in the team is labelled as a "hater." This toxic attitude has allowed mediocrity to thrive.

Instead of holding players, coaches, and administrators accountable, we rally behind underperforming teams with blind loyalty. This mindset has led to a culture where poor performances are normalised, and progress becomes stagnant.

Player Quality Vs Team Performance

Some argue that Ghana lacks quality players, but this simply is not true. The current squad is filled with talented players who are excelling at club level:
- Thomas Partey (Arsenal): A world-class midfielder.
- Mohammed Kudus (West Ham): One of the most exciting young talents in football in our time.
- Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth): A dynamic forward.
- Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao): An experienced striker.
- Alexander Djiku and Mohammed Salisu: Solid defenders.
- Jordan Ayew: A seasoned forward with Premier League experience.
- Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Ernest Nuamah: Promising young wingers.

The problem is not lack of quality but a failure to harness that quality to our advantage. Poor coaching decisions, lack of a clear tactical identity, and weak team cohesion have hampered the team’s potential.

The Role of Leadership and Administration

Football is not just about players; it’s about the structures around them.

Ghana’s football administration has often been plagued by corruption, mismanagement, and lack of vision.

There seems to be no long-term plan to develop the team or improve grassroots football, which has contributed to the current crisis.

A Call for Change

If Ghana is to return to the heights of African football, we must make difficult choices:

1. Demand Accountability: Fans, media, and stakeholders must hold players, coaches, and administrators accountable for their performances.

2. Embrace Constructive Criticism: Recognizing weaknesses is the first step towards fixing them.

3. Invest in Grassroots Football: The next generation of stars must be nurtured properly.

4. Appoint Competent Coaches: Ghana needs a coach who can develop a clear playing style and get the best out of the team.

Conclusion

Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON is a wake-up call. It is a reminder that talent alone is not enough.

Without proper planning, accountability, and the courage to demand better, the Black Stars will continue to fall short.

The time for excuses is over.

Ghanaian football needs a revolution, and it starts with accepting that we deserve better than what we have seen in recent years.