GFA Apologizes as Black Stars Fail to Qualify for 2025 AFCON

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has apologized to Ghanaians after the Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In a statement, the GFA expressed its disappointment and acknowledged the heartbreak felt by fans.

The Black Stars finished last in Group F without a single win, marking one of the worst campaigns in the team’s history. Notable results included a 1-0 loss to Angola in Kumasi and a 2-1 defeat to Niger in Accra.

Despite widespread criticism, the GFA has decided to retain Otto Addo as head coach, tasking him with rebuilding the team. Fans now look to the GFA for bold reforms to restore Ghana’s football glory.

Read the full statement below;

"The Ghana Football Association (GFA) wishes to express its sincerest apologies to the good people of Ghana for the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.

We understand the disappointment and frustration this failure has caused, and we share in the pain and sadness of our beloved fans. We acknowledge that the team's performance did not meet the high expectations of the nation, and for that, we are truly sorry.

We would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal football fans for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout the qualifying campaign. Your passion and dedication are what drive us to strive for excellence.

Going forward, the Executive Council, at its meeting on Wednesday, 20th November 2024, took the following key decisions:

1. Immediate dissolution of the Management Committee of the senior national football team, the Black Stars. In doing so, we sincerely thank the members of the Committee for their service to Ghana Football over the years.

2. The Executive Council will meet the Head Coach of the Black Stars, Mr Otto Addo, on the 27th of November, 2024, to discuss his Technical report on the just-ended AFCON qualifiers and the overall performance of the Technical team since assuming duty earlier this year.

Ghana Football Retreat

Given the passion and concern shown by members and stakeholders of Ghana Football as well as the general public, the GFA shall hold a Ghana Football Retreat to which members and all stakeholders shall be invited.

Members and stakeholders such as SWAG and the Media, National Sports Authority, PFAG, former captains and players, coaches, supporters, Football enthusiasts, Sports-related professionals (Medics, Economists, Marketers etc), and Opinion leaders (including traditional rulers) will be invited to the Retreat.

The Ministries of Sports, Finance and Education and key Authorities such as the Ghana Revenue Authority and Ghana Tourism Authority will be represented.

The meeting shall be held on the 28th of November, 2024, at the Ghanaian Soccer Center of Excellence, with the primary purpose of soliciting views and perspectives from stakeholders of Ghana Football. The output from this Retreat shall be used to develop a roadmap for enhancing the performance of the Black Stars and our other national teams.

We appreciate the support and patience of the Ghanaian people and look forward to making amends in the future.

…… END ……

GFA COMMUNICATIONS"