Black Stars are deeply disappointed after missing out on 2025 AFCON - Stephen Appiah

Vice Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, Stephen Appiah, has admitted that the team is deeply disappointed after failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The four-time African champions endured a disappointing campaign, finishing bottom of their group with just three points after three defeats and three draws. As a result, they missed out on a spot at the tournament set to be hosted in Morocco.

Despite this setback, Appiah remains optimistic as the Black Stars shift their focus to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where they will face Chad and Madagascar.

The former Ghana captain, who led the team to its first-ever World Cup appearance in 2006, believes the players are eager to redeem themselves.

"The players, the technical team and everyone around the team is disappointed," he told Asempa FM.

"For the first time, we didn't win a game in the qualifiers but the players are determined to win against Chad and Madagascar.

He further emphasized the team's commitment to securing victories in the upcoming matches.

"The way they have been training clearly means they want to win these games after failing to qualify for the AFCON," he added.

Ghana will host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 20, before travelling to Morocco to face Madagascar in the Matchday 5 and 6 fixtures of the qualifiers.

Head coach Otto Addo and his squad are set to wrap up their final training session today ahead of Friday’s crucial encounter.