From Glory to Grief: Unraveling the Black Stars' Tragic Odyssey in African Football!

“Are you confident that you can qualify?”

This simple yet profound question posed by Ghanaian journalist Phrank Delali Awutey encapsulates the essence of the Black Stars' recent tumultuous journey.

The aftermath of Ghana's exit from the 2023 Afcon in Côte d'Ivoire has left fans and pundits grappling with the team's once-glorious legacy.

The Black Stars, having lost their first game to Cape Verde, drew the second with Egypt, entered the crucial match against Mozambique with hopes of redemption.

A two-goal lead by the 90th minute seemed to secure qualification, but a sudden collapse, marked by defensive errors and a late equalizer, shattered those hopes.

The question posed to Ghana captain Richard Ofori in the mixed zone after the Egypt match resonates with irony.

Ofori's confident response reflected the team's misplaced sense of entitlement and the subsequent reality check against Mozambique.

This incident mirrors the broader narrative of the Black Stars—a team that once dominated African football but now grapples with mediocrity and inconsistency.

The decline of the Black Stars extends beyond recent tournaments, with a track record marked by underwhelming performances in the 2019 Afcon and the 2021 World Cup qualifiers.

The 2023 Afcon, anticipated as a platform for redemption, exposed deep-rooted issues in leadership, funding, and overall team management.

One of the glaring issues contributing to the team's downfall is the mismanagement of resources.

Despite not winning a trophy in over four decades, the Black Stars continue to enjoy financial backing without adequate scrutiny.

The government's allocation of substantial funds through the Ministry of Youth and Sports lacks transparency and accountability, leading to inflated budgets and wasteful spending.

Under the current leadership of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the team has failed to progress beyond the group stage in any major tournament.

Multiple coaching changes and a lack of tangible success have left fans disillusioned.

The recent dismissal of coach Chris Hughton, following the Mozambique debacle, underscores the team's struggles to find stability and effective leadership.

The tragic tale of the Black Stars serves as a wake-up call for introspection and reform within Ghanaian football.

Addressing systemic issues, instilling accountability, and redirecting resources to grassroots development are crucial steps in reviving the once-mighty Black Stars and restoring the team to its former glory.

The poignant question, "Are you confident that you can qualify?" now echoes as a reminder of the challenges the Black Stars face in reclaiming their position as a powerhouse in African football.

BY: Moses Desire Kouyo, Journalist/Pr Strategist/Social Commentator.