Black Stars' failure to qualify for 2025 AFCON the lowest moment in my tenure - GFA boss Kurt Okraku

President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has described the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as the lowest point of his career.

For the first time in two decades, Ghana failed to reach the continental showpiece, which will be staged in Morocco later this year. The disappointment drew widespread criticism of the GFA’s leadership and the team’s technical direction.

Reflecting on the setback during an interview on Asempa FM, Okraku admitted the experience was deeply painful, given the strides made since he assumed office in 2019.

"When I took over in 2019, there was one phrase that I used, which was that the road ahead of us would be tough, but by the mercies of God, we would get through.

"I knew the state of football when I took over after our internal analysis. At that time, there was no football, so our responsibility at that time was to resurrect football and by doing that, we knew we could not win all games, but what shocked me was the level we descended to."

The GFA boss noted that Ghana’s struggles at recent tournaments — including poor performances at the AFCON editions in Cameroon and Ivory Coast — were concerning, but missing out on the upcoming Morocco tournament hit hardest.

"We played AFCON in Cameroon and Ivory Coast, and we did not perform. Last year, we did not qualify for the AFCON in Morocco, and that was perhaps my lowest footballing career, thinking that we would participate in the AFCON.

"As leaders, we came together to find solutions to the challenge because at teh end of the day, it is not only about qualifying for the AFCON but performing at all levels," he added.

Despite that disappointment, Okraku found solace in the Black Stars’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing it as a sign of renewed progress.

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