It is a bad sign for the nation not to qualify for AFCON - Richard Kissi Boateng

[caption id=attachment_269156 align=alignnone width=470] Richard Kissi Boateng[/caption]Ghana's failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has raised significant concerns about the nation's football trajectory.Former international defender Richard Kissi Boateng expressed alarm over this development, emphasizing the unifying power of football in Ghana.In an interview with Pan-Africa Football, Kissi Boateng remarked, It is a bad sign for the nation not to qualify for this event [AFCON] because that is what brings the nation together.He highlighted that despite Ghana's diverse religious and tribal landscape, football has always been a common language that unites the populace. The team's absence from AFCON, he believes, exerts pressure on society and the football industry, indicating that nothing is moving well when it comes to football in Ghana.He urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to take decisive action, stating, Because you can see that we are failing and so they [GFA] need to do something.The Black Stars' unsuccessful qualification campaign culminated in a 1-1 draw against Angola, marking their first absence from the tournament since 2004. In response, the GFA has initiated restructuring efforts within the technical team.Veteran German coach Winfried Schfer has been appointed as a technical advisor to support head coach Otto Addo. Schfer's role extends beyond immediate team strategies; he is also tasked with overseeing football development in Ghana as the Director of Football, implementing long-term strategic plans, and ensuring high performance across teams. Read Full Story