The Ghana national football team, affectionately known as the Black Stars, has long been one of Africa’s football powerhouses. However, their recent performances, particularly in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments from 2019 to 2024, indicate a worrying decline. From perennial title contenders to early exits, the Black Stars’ recent failures have raised concerns among fans and pundits alike. Here’s a look at their performance trajectory.
The 2019 AFCON marked the first indication of the team’s struggles. Ghana was eliminated in the Round of 16 by Tunisia, losing in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. This was a disappointment, as the Black Stars had reached the semifinals in six of the previous seven editions. Despite boasting players like Thomas Partey and André Ayew, they couldn’t break through a resilient Tunisian side. The Round of 16 exit was a stark contrast to the expectations of fans who were used to seeing the team go deep into the tournament.
The AFCON 2021 tournament, held in early 2022 due to COVID-19 delays, marked a new low for the Black Stars. They were knocked out in the group stage for the first time in 15 years, without a single win. Ghana was grouped with Morocco, Gabon, and debutants Comoros. A draw with Gabon and losses to Morocco and Comoros saw them finish at the bottom of the group. The shock loss to Comoros, a team ranked far below them, was the final blow. The performance led to widespread criticism of the team’s management, as well as calls for the overhaul of the squad.
The 2024 AFCON saw Ghana suffer a similar fate, once again exiting at the group stage without a single win. Despite a renewed sense of optimism going into the tournament, the Black Stars failed to progress. Their inability to find form during key matches mirrored the struggles seen in 2021. The disappointment was palpable as fans began questioning the direction of the national team, its leadership, and the future of its key players.
As if the struggles in major tournaments were not enough, Ghana is now on the verge of failing to qualify for the 2025 AFCON. With inconsistent performances in the qualifying rounds, the Black Stars are in real danger of missing the tournament altogether for the first time in several decades. A poor qualification campaign has further amplified the criticism around the team, with many pointing fingers at both the technical team and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for failing to rebuild and rejuvenate the squad.
Several factors seem to contribute to the Black Stars’ decline:
1. Lack of Cohesion: The team has struggled to find a balance between experienced players and younger talents. Integrating new blood has been slow, with key veterans like André Ayew and Jordan Ayew still playing prominent roles despite the need for fresh energy.
2. Coaching Instability: Over the years, Ghana’s coaching situation has been unstable, with frequent changes. This lack of continuity has hampered the team’s ability to build a strong, cohesive tactical system.
3. Tactical Issues: Ghana’s tactics in recent tournaments have been criticized for being too defensive and reactive. The team has struggled to create clear scoring opportunities and has lacked the creativity and dynamism needed to compete at the highest level.
4. Injury Problems: Key players have often been unavailable due to injuries during critical matches, further weakening the team.
5. Psychological Pressure: The weight of past successes seems to be weighing heavily on the team, with players and coaches alike buckling under the pressure of meeting the high expectations of fans and football stakeholders in Ghana.
The situation is dire, but not without hope. If Ghana can stabilize its technical team, invest in youth development, and make bold decisions about the future of veteran players, there’s a chance to reverse this downward trajectory. However, the immediate concern is the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. If the Black Stars fail to qualify, it could be a turning point that either forces much-needed reforms or deepens the crisis.
In conclusion, the recent performance of the Ghana Black Stars has been disappointing. A once-dominant force in African football is now facing the prospect of missing out on the continent’s premier tournament. Fans are desperate for a turnaround, and the next few months could define the future of Ghanaian football.