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Black Stars Secure AFCON 2025 Qualification, Ending Absence

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at 15:41 GMT by Sporting News

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Black Stars Back in Business: Ghana Secures AFCON 2025 Qualification, Marking a Return to Form

Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, are heading back to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a disappointing absence in 2023. A crucial 2-0 victory over Cape Verde secured their qualification for the tournament, set to be hosted by Morocco in early 2025. This win not only guarantees Ghana's participation but also signals a potential resurgence for a team that has long been considered a powerhouse of African football.

The Sporting News article details the immediate context of this qualification: a tense and hard-fought match against Cape Verde, played in Accra. Goals from Antoine Semenyo and Alexander Djiku sealed the deal, propelling Ghana to the top of Group B with 12 points from six matches. This secures their place as one of the first teams confirmed for the finals, amidst ongoing qualification campaigns across the continent. The victory was particularly significant given Cape Verde's own strong showing in the group and represented a crucial step towards rebuilding confidence within the Black Stars squad.

A History of AFCON Dominance – and Recent Struggles

To understand the significance of this qualification, it’s vital to appreciate Ghana’s rich history in the competition. The article highlights that Ghana has been a consistent presence at AFCON tournaments since their debut in 1958. They have won the trophy four times (1963, 1965, 1978, and 2009), demonstrating periods of sustained dominance. The Black Stars also reached the final in 2015, losing to Ivory Coast. This history places them amongst Africa's elite footballing nations alongside the likes of Egypt, Cameroon, and Nigeria.

However, recent years have been challenging for Ghana. The failure to qualify for AFCON 2023 was a devastating blow – particularly given their participation in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This absence marked the first time since 2012 that Ghana had missed out on the continental tournament. It followed a period of instability, including managerial changes and a general decline in performance. The qualifying campaign for Qatar 2022 was also fraught with difficulties, culminating in a disappointing showing. The article emphasizes that this recent drought only amplifies the importance of securing qualification for AFCON 2025.

The Road to Qualification – A New Era Under Getafe Coach Hughton

This current qualifying campaign marks a new era for Ghana under head coach Chris Hughton. Appointed in February 2023, Hughton's tenure has been met with mixed reactions. While the qualification is undoubtedly a positive result, his appointment itself was controversial, given his lack of recent top-level managerial experience. He replaced Otto Addo, who had stepped down after leading Ghana at the World Cup. The article notes that Hughton’s tactical approach has often been criticized as being overly cautious and lacking in attacking flair, but he's demonstrated an ability to secure results, which is ultimately what matters during qualification campaigns.

The group stage itself was a rollercoaster for the Black Stars. They started with a 1-0 win against Madagascar before drawing 0-0 with Central African Republic (CAR). A subsequent defeat at home to CAR proved particularly damaging and placed significant pressure on Hughton and his team. The article points out that this unexpected loss highlighted vulnerabilities within the squad and prompted questions about their ability to navigate the challenging group. However, they rallied, securing victories against Angola (home and away) before the decisive win against Cape Verde.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities for AFCON 2025

The qualification secures Ghana's place in a tournament that promises to be highly competitive. Morocco, as hosts, are strong contenders, and other African footballing giants like Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, and Algeria will also be vying for the title. The article mentions that the draw for AFCON 2025 is expected later this year, setting the stage for a thrilling competition.

The Black Stars face several challenges moving forward. Building on the momentum generated by qualification is crucial. Developing a more consistent attacking identity and addressing defensive frailties will be key priorities for Hughton. The article suggests that nurturing young talent and integrating them into the senior squad will also be vital for long-term success. The upcoming friendlies before the tournament provide an opportunity to experiment with tactics and assess player form.

Furthermore, restoring faith in the national team among Ghanaian fans is paramount. The disappointing years have led to a degree of disillusionment, and consistent performances at AFCON 2025 will be essential to rekindling that passion. The article underscores that this qualification represents more than just a ticket to Morocco; it's a chance for Ghana to reclaim its place among the elite of African football and reignite the pride associated with wearing the Black Stars jersey. The team now has an opportunity to write a new chapter in their storied history, starting with a strong showing at AFCON 2025.

This article aims to capture the essence of the original Sporting News piece while expanding on some points and providing additional context for readers unfamiliar with Ghanaian football or the history of the Africa Cup of Nations.