Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has issued a heartfelt message following the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team's hopes were dashed after a disastrous campaign in Group F, which saw them finish bottom of the group with just three points from six matches.
Okraku, who has been a steadfast figure in Ghana football, acknowledged the emotional toll of the team's performance, which ended with a 2-1 defeat to Niger in Accra on Monday.
He referred to the contrast between Ghana's recent highs, including the 2022 World Cup qualification, and the disappointing failure to reach the continental tournament.
"From the highest heights of world football on the 29th of March 2022 to the lowest ebb of AFCON qualifying matches. My heart bleeds. Definitely, this is not what we want or what we bargained for,” Okraku said.
He continued, "At this point, only cool heads can win and we as leaders of our sport, will stay together, be honest with ourselves, and fix this problem. The road to full recovery after normalization is definitely bumpy and rough, but our collective efforts and patience will win, and Ghana, our beloved country, will rise again."
The GFA President shared in the pain of Ghanaians, stating, "As a Black Stars fan and as the leader, I share in your pain and in our pain. We will rise from this temporary setback. It shall be well."
Okraku’s comments came just days before the GFA Executive Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to discuss the team's underperformance and make critical decisions regarding the future of coach Otto Addo. The GFA is under increasing pressure to overhaul the national team setup and restore the Black Stars to their former glory.
