Former Hearts of Oak Chief Executive Officer Harry Zakour says he was shocked by the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ghana endured a disappointing qualifying campaign, finishing bottom of their group after six matches with just three points from three defeats and three draws.
The failure ended Ghana’s run of more than two decades of consecutive AFCON appearances and marked the first time the four-time African champions had missed out on the tournament in over 20 years.
Reflecting on the Black Stars’ disappointing campaign, Zakour, one of the most decorated chief executives in Ghanaian football history, admitted he was surprised by the outcome.
“Ghana failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was shocking,” he told Sporty FM.
Despite their AFCON setback, Ghana secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
The Black Stars subsequently reached the knockout phase of the tournament for the first time since their historic quarter-final appearance at the 2010 World Cup.
Ghana will now turn their attention to the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with the Black Stars set to reassemble in September to begin their campaign.
