Ghana keeps on retrogressing in a way that science can’t even explain. Is Ghana heading to its lowest point? In June 2004, FIFA ranked the Black Stars of Ghana as the 89th-best team in the world.
The latest Coca-Cola FIFA rankings explain how shambolic Ghana has been in the last 12 months.
In December 2023, Ghana was ranked 11th on the continent and 61st worldwide with 1,384.19 points. Black Stars was just a place before entering the all-important top 10 where teams stand a great chance of being ceded for draws.
The latest February 2024 rankings after a shambolic 2023 AFCON see Ghana lying 14th in Africa and 66th in the world as it has moved 3 places backwards in CAF rankings and 6 in World rankings. The current points for Ghana is 1,362.57 with a minus of 21.62.
Ghana played three games in the 2023 AFCON and failed to win even one. A 2-1 defeat in the opening group game against Cape Verde signalled a woeful tournament ahead for Ghana. A lack of calmness ensured Egypt stole a point in a 2-2 draw against the Black Stars. In the must-win match for both Ghana and Mozambique, Jordan Ayew’s brace from the spot kick put Ghana in a very commanding and comfortable lead but Mozambique bounced back within just 3 minutes in the additional time to eliminate Ghana.
Before the AFCON 2023, Ghana had won one in the last 5 games. In all, Ghana has had one win in the last 8 games including friendlies.
It is not a surprise at all to see the Black Stars retrogress as it is little by little becoming difficult for the senior national team to record back-to-back wins even against Grade C teams.
2000 to 2004 was probably the lowest point ever in the history of Black Stars with the 89th placed ranking. If proper measures are not put in place, the country will witness another melancholy year as no foundation has been laid to rescue the sharp slump.
