Ghanaian forward Majeed Waris has expressed his disappointment over the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), noting that the true impact will be felt when the tournament begins in December 2025.
Ghana’s absence marks the first time in 21 years that the nation has missed out on Africa’s premier football competition. The Black Stars endured a winless campaign in the qualifiers, finishing at the bottom of Group F with just three points. Angola and Sudan claimed the group’s top two spots to secure qualification for the tournament in Morocco.
Reflecting on the situation, Waris, who represented Ghana from 2012 to 2019, described it as a significant setback.
“I think it is a shame to all of us, and I feel like something needs to be done,” he told JoySports. “Everyone is hurt, and we are not going to feel it that much now, but when it’s time for the tournament, when you see the countries arriving for the tournament and then the joy, happiness that it brings into the country, that’s when the country [Ghana] will feel it more.
“It is something that we are all not happy about,” he added.
The failure has intensified scrutiny on coach Otto Addo, who oversaw the qualifiers. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is yet to decide on his future amidst growing criticism of his leadership.
This marks Ghana’s first absence from the AFCON since 2004, a significant blow to a nation that has historically been one of Africa’s football powerhouses.
