Ghana coach Otto Addo believes the Black Stars’ failure to win their home games was the key reason behind their inability to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ghana’s hopes of competing in Africa’s premier football tournament were dashed after a 1-1 draw against Angola in their Matchday Five encounter at the Estádio 11 de Novembro.
Heading into the game, the Black Stars needed victories against both Angola and Niger to keep their qualification dreams alive. They had been handed a lifeline after Sudan’s 4-0 defeat to Niger. However, their inability to secure maximum points proved costly.
Reflecting on the campaign, Otto Addo, 45, admitted that failing to capitalize on home advantage was their undoing.
“In general, we have to look at all the games we played, especially our home games,” Addo stated. “We lost to Angola, where we were better. In these tournaments, you have to win your home games; very, very important. And if you don’t win, it is always difficult to play away and try to win because every nation is strong at home.”
Ghana’s qualifying campaign was marred by a draw and a defeat in their home matches, leaving them with just two points after five games. They now sit at the bottom of Group F, rendering their final game against Niger meaningless.
This disappointing outcome marks the first time in 21 years that the Black Stars will miss the Africa Cup of Nations.
