Former Ghana international Prince Tagoe has expressed his disappointment over the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
For the first time in 20 years, the four-time African champions will not be competing in the prestigious continental tournament after finishing last in Group F. Ghana’s qualification campaign ended with three draws and three losses from six matches.
Reflecting on the team’s poor performance, Tagoe, a former Hearts of Oak striker, acknowledged the disappointment of the Black Stars’ inability to qualify for AFCON.
However, he urged the team to regroup and work towards emerging stronger in the future.
“It is very sad because qualifying and playing at the AFCON is what every Ghanaian want and to an extent the entire country because, at every tournament, Ghana is always there so if it happens that Ghana is not there, it is sad but we have to prepare our mind and return stronger because we can do it,” he said on Sporty FM.
“It is hurting because everyone will be watching their country play and Ghana is not there so it is very sad,” he added.
Meanwhile, the AFCON final draw was held on January 27 in Rabat. Despite their qualification setback, the Black Stars are now focusing on the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which resume in March with upcoming matches against Chad and Madagascar on Matchdays five and six.