Former Ghana defender Sam Johnson has shared his mixed feelings about the Black Stars’ chances of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. Given the team’s difficult start to the qualifying rounds, Johnson admitted he would be “surprised but happy” if Ghana manages to secure a spot.
The Black Stars, known for their history as four-time AFCON champions, faced setbacks early in the campaign, losing 1-0 to Angola and managing only a 1-1 draw against Niger. The team hoped to turn things around in their next two games against Sudan. However, they were held to a goalless draw in the first match at the Accra Sports Stadium and then fell 2-0 in the away fixture.
These outcomes have left Ghana in a challenging position, ranking third in Group F with just two points. This standing complicates their path to AFCON qualification, raising concerns among supporters and former players alike.
In an interview, Johnson, who previously played for Hearts of Oak, shared his realistic outlook on the Black Stars’ situation. He advised that while qualification remains a hope, the team’s technical staff should start preparing for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. “If we qualify for AFCON, it will be a miracle that has never happened before,” Johnson told Graphic Sports.
Johnson emphasized the importance of focusing on future goals, suggesting that prioritizing World Cup preparation could help the team rebuild. “Let’s focus on the World Cup and organise ourselves better. If we make it to AFCON, I’ll be surprised but happy,” he added.
For the Black Stars to keep their AFCON hopes alive, they would need Sudan to lose both of their remaining matches while securing their own victories against Angola and Niger in the final two games next month.
