Kurt Okraku Calls for Calm After Black Stars’ AFCON Qualification Failure
Ghana FA President Kurt Okraku has called for composure and unity among fans and stakeholders following the Black Stars’ disappointing failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The team finished bottom of their qualifying group, amassing only three points from six matches and netting just three goals throughout the campaign.
The Black Stars’ hopes were dashed after a 2-1 defeat to Niger in Accra, where West Ham star Mohammed Kudus missed a crucial late penalty.
This result confirmed Ghana’s place at the bottom of the group, marking a significant low for a team that has historically been a powerhouse in African football, having won the AFCON title four times.
In a poignant statement on social media, Okraku expressed his deep sorrow over the team’s lackluster performance and recognized the frustration of the fans.
“As a Black Stars fan and as the leader, I share in your pain,” he wrote. He reflected on the stark contrast between this failure and the team’s high point in March 2022, when they secured a spot in the World Cup.
Okraku urged for calm and called for collective introspection among the leadership of Ghanaian football. “Definitely this is not what we want or what we bargained for. At this point, only cool heads can win,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of honesty and collaboration as they work to address the underlying issues affecting the team.
Despite the disappointment, Okraku remained hopeful about the future, stating that while the path to recovery will be challenging, it is achievable through collective effort and patience.
“The road to full recovery after normalization is definitely bumpy and rough, but our collective efforts and patience will guide Ghana back to success,” he affirmed.
As the Black Stars look ahead, the future of head coach Otto Addo hangs in the balance. The team is scheduled to return to action for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March 2025, and the Ghana Football Association’s Executive Council is set to meet on Wednesday to evaluate the team’s performance and make crucial decisions regarding the coaching staff.
Okraku’s message of solidarity with the fans and determination to rise from this setback resonates strongly. “We will rise from this temporary setback. It shall be well,” he concluded, instilling a sense of hope amid the disappointment for Ghanaian football supporters.
As the dust settles on this disheartening chapter, the focus will soon shift to rebuilding and ensuring the Black Stars can reclaim their status as a formidable force in African football.
